Economic pressures are having an increasing impact on men aged 45 to 54, according to a new survey by the American Psychological Association (APA). Growing numbers of middle-aged men are reporting significant stress related to work, money, housing costs, and job stability. The poll of 2,160 adults was conducted online by Harris Interactive in April. Among the 45 to 54 age group, 81 percent of employed men reported work as a significant source of stress, compared with just 68 percent of employed women.
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APA psychologist Dr. Katherine C. Nordal explained: "While women are typically more likely to report stress than men, we are seeing that economic pressures like money, job stability, and work are having a significant effect on many men." She added that, for the first time, the numbers of men in some age groups reporting stress due to economic factors have surpassed those of women of the same age.
The survey also found that actions taken by employers to reduce costs are having a far-reaching impact. People hit with multiple cost-cutting actions (such as wage or hiring freezes, staff lay-offs, reduced work hours) report the most stress.