Women and men are more stressed about the 2009 holiday season than last year, finds new study

Caron Treatment CentersDec 4 2009

Nationwide Breakthrough at Caron Poll Explores Stresses and Challenges People Anticipate This Holiday Season and Offers Tools for Coping

From family conflict to anxiety about not being able to buy gifts for everyone on their list, women and men are more stressed about the 2009 holiday season than last year, according to a new study commissioned by Breakthrough at Caron, a five-and-a-half day intensive wellness program designed for adults seeking to break unhealthy life patterns. Breakthrough at Caron is part of Caron Treatment Centers, a 52-year-old nonprofit addiction treatment center located in Pennsylvania.

The survey, "Holiday Stress Index" was commissioned by Breakthrough at Caron and conducted by Harris Interactive. This online omnibus poll was based on a nationwide sample of 2,173 adults in the U.S. aged eighteen years and over. Based upon survey findings and the institution's vast experience with this issue, a package of free educational materials and tips was developed and can be viewed at www.breakthroughatcaron.org.

In general, 90% of the respondents said they experience some level of stress and/or anxiety about the holiday season. However this year more than a third (38 percent) said they expect to feel more stress and anxiety this holiday season due to the current economy.

"One problem is that we have gotten away from the most important part of the holiday season -- the connection with those we love," said Ann W. Smith, Executive Director of Breakthrough at Caron. "People think that spending money and buying gifts is a substitute for intimacy. Ironically, our study indicates that, given a choice, most would prefer family intimacy and connection as opposed to material goods."

Family Conflict at the Holidays

77% of respondents who attend family holiday gatherings said their family experiences conflict during holiday gatherings. The reasons why people continue to spend time with family during the holidays despite conflict included:

• 50% because they still want a connection to their family even though they have problems
• 28% work hard to make their family feel good so things will go more smoothly
• 25% keep hoping their family will change for the better

Excitement Mixed with Anxiety

On the positive side, of more than two-thirds of those who attend family holiday gatherings 68% say they generally enjoy the quality time spent with family during the holidays. However, 23% feel an obligation to participate in family activities, and 21% think there is too much emphasis on gift-giving and not enough on meaningful relationships. Among those for who the upcoming holidays cause anxiety, most of the anxiety was around gift giving and over half (56 percent) indicated being "strapped" for cash during holiday gift giving.

Key findings from the survey include:

• 41% are anxious about not being able to purchase gifts for everyone on their list
• 30% feel anxiety about shopping for the "perfect" present
• 28% are anxious about dealing with family conflicts

"It's very easy to get swept into the commercial holiday frenzy," said Smith. "People often spend money they really don't have and make commitments because they think saying 'no' is not an option."

Dealing (or Not) with Conflicts

Sadly, over one-third (36 percent) of those who experience conflict at family holiday gatherings said their family tries to ignore the issues and hope they will go away. The survey reveals women are more likely to say that their family takes this route than men (41 percent vs. 29 percent).

Other key findings include:

• 28% always/often put on a "happy face" to make the holiday better for their immediate family
• 28% say their family keeps quiet and address the issue(s) later
• 22% indicate that their family confronts the issue(s) immediately when conflict arises