Exploratory Data Analysis on Stress in America: The Impact of Health, Age, and Employment

Over the past few decades, stress levels in America have increased significantly. This study explores the relationship between stress and key demographic and health-related variables using the 2018 Stress in America survey data. The research aims to examine how age, employment status, physical health, mental health, and mental health treatment influence average stress levels in the U.S. Previous studies have highlighted that younger adults, particularly those aged 18-34, experience higher levels of stress, while individuals with employment tend to report greater stress than those without. Furthermore, stress is known to be linked to physical and mental health, with severe stress contributing to both physical ailments and mental health disorders. Using exploratory data analysis (EDA), this study investigates whether age and employment status impact stress, how physical and mental health correlate with stress levels, and whether mental health treatment alleviates stress. The findings aim to enhance our understanding of the factors driving the rise in stress levels across America and contribute to the broader discourse on managing stress through mental health interventions.