Impact of 9/11 still affects Americans: Harris Interactive/HealthDay poll

Sep 9 2011

Almost half of all U.S. adults who experienced physical or psychological problems in the months following the 9/11 terrorist attacks still struggle with feelings of fear and anxiety 10 years later, today's Harris Interactive/HealthDay poll found.

The most common lingering concerns are worry about family and friends, reported by 24 percent of those still affected, and anxiety, by 13 percent. Twelve percent said the disaster has caused them to "lose hope" about the future.

Today's Harris Interactive/HealthDay poll also found:

• 19 percent of all those polled reported they now have a fear of flying.
• 9 percent admit to feeling anxious in big cities or crowded venues.
• 18 percent said they want revenge against terrorists.
• 14 percent said they feel "nervous" when they see people dressed in traditional Muslim attire.
• Two-thirds of those polled said they took action as a result of 9/11 -- 47 percent said they now try to appreciate life more, and 34 percent reported spending more time with family and friends.
• 10 percent said they turn more often to their church or place of worship, 21 percent said they pray more often or more intently.

Regina A. Corso, senior vice president of the Harris Poll, Public Relations and Youth Research, "Even though it has been 10 years, the impact of 9/11 is something that was not constrained to just that one day or even to a few weeks after the attacks. Not only did more than two in five Americans experience effects such as worry or anxiety after the event, almost half of those people say they are still experiencing effects a decade later.

"But, what is nice to see," she added, "is that not all effects are negative. Almost half of Americans say they, as a result of 9/11, are trying to appreciate life more, and one-third are trying to spend more time with family, loved ones or friends."

The poll included 2,202 U.S. adults over age 18 who were surveyed online between August 25 to 29, 2011, by Harris Interactive, one of the world's leading custom market research firms, and HealthDay, a leading producer and syndicator of health news.