The bull and bear comes into our homes. The American Psychological Association’s “2008 Stress in America” survey reported that the declining economy is taking its toll on everyone, though women are hit harder by financial stress.

When asked about the recent financial crisis, almost half of Americans said they were worried about their ability to provide for their families’ basic needs. Eight out of 10 Americans said the economy was a significant cause of stress—with women (83 percent) more likely to suffer ill effects from it than men (78 percent).

Other findings:

• Women of the Boomer Generation (ages 44–62) and “Matures” (age 63 plus) were the most likely to report the economy as a significant stressor.
• Women, in general, ranked financial worries above personal health, though Boomer women reported higher stress levels when it came to job stability and concerns about the health of their families.
• Women were more likely than men to report indulging in unhealthy behaviors to manage stress—including shopping, eating poorly, smoking, and drinking.

Read the article and the full findings here. apapractice.org