Thursday, April 9, 2009

What Americans Worry About

Six months into the recession, Americans are increasingly worried about survival. This worry has diminished worry for political issues, but Qualtrics new worry index reveals more about the American psyche. American worries tend to fall into one of five patterns.

Understanding what people worry about gives a glimpse into understanding humanity

Provo, Utah (PRWEB) April 9, 2009 - While most Americans are worried about economic issues, a new survey found the issues Americans worry most about are related and can be grouped into one of five patterns.

Qualtrics Worry Index March 2009
Qualtrics Worry Index March 2009

Qualtrics Labs Inc., a pioneer in enterprise feedback management and survey software, conducted the survey.
   
"Understanding what people worry about gives a glimpse into understanding humanity," said Ryan Smith, President of Qualtrics. "Despite our diverse beliefs and backgrounds, we are similar in what we worry about."

The study found Americans follow similar worry patterns. Using clustering, a statistical research tool, respondents were segmented into five unique groups that worry about similar issues.

  • Stressed Providers (21.1 percent of respondents)- this segment worries most about personal and family finances as well as employment for themselves and family.
  • War-y Warts (15.9 percent of respondents)- these worry warts worry most about wars and threats of war, terrorism and the war on terror, and natural disasters and hardships.
  • Minute Men (20.1 percent of respondents)- this segment worries most about illegal immigration and crime.
  • Social Conscience (25.1 percent of respondents)- this segment worries most about global warming, ecosystems and pollution; hunger, health care and wellness; human rights, civil rights and worker rights.
  • Politically and Economically Disturbed (17.8 percent of respondents)- this segment worries most about political candidates, issues and events; business and broad economic issues; and ethical and moral issues.
The findings are based on a sample of 656 households.

Qualtrics Worry Index March 2009
This index, compiled by Dr. Scott Smith of Brigham Young University's Institute of Marketing, shows how often Americans worry about different issues compared with how important the issues are to them. It is released quarterly by Qualtrics.

Qualtrics is the premiere research survey software, used by the world's leading universities and corporations. Our client list is proof Qualtrics offers a unique, streamlined product with the professionalism of your corporate interface. Visit our Web site and see why everyone wants to know what they're really thinking™.

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