WASHINGTON, Dec. 8 (UPI) -- A survey by the American Psychological Association has determined the greatest holiday season stressor in the United States is money, or the lack of it.
The survey found 61 percent of citizens listed lack of money as the top cause of holiday stress followed by the pressures of gift giving, lack of time, and credit card debt. Results also show that younger consumers are more worried about lack of money and gift giving compared to people over the age of 35.
While 20 percent said they were concerned the stress could affect their physical health, 36 percent said they either eat or drink alcohol to cope with holiday stress.
"People tend to reduce stress in ways they have learned over the course of time because they turn to what they know," said Dr. Russ Newman, APA executive director for professional practice. "Ironically, they may take comfort from eating or drinking because it's familiar, even though it's not good for their health."
