Finances, Mental Health Concerns Impact Adults’ Wellbeing, Cigna Finds

Americans are feeling more optimistic about their wellbeing than last year, but financial concerns and mental health challenges are still negatively impacting their health, according to a report from The Cigna Group.

The second annual Vitality in America study reflects responses from 10,000 adults collected in June 2023 by Morning Consult. The study uses the Evernorth Vitality Index, a subjective measure of health and wellbeing, to assess Americans’ experiences with personal health, finances, and job satisfaction.

Almost half of respondents said they look forward to each new day, up from 43 percent in 2022. However, fewer adults said they prioritize their physical health (39 percent), feel capable of managing their emotions (45 percent), and can financially support themselves (40 percent).

The top driver of stress among US adults was finances (40 percent), followed by housing conditions (25 percent), work (25 percent), family or social relationships (25 percent), and health (24 percent).

Adults with high vitality were more likely to report excellent or very good overall physical health. In addition, among adults diagnosed with cancer, those with high vitality were more likely to visit their doctor for an annual check-up and have better relationships with their providers.

Mental health is a significant contributor to vitality levels. Adults with strong mental health were ten times more likely to have high vitality compared to those with fair or poor mental health. The share of adults receiving counseling from a mental health professional increased from 20 percent in 2022 to 24 percent in 2023.

Among the 32 percent of adults who reported needing mental health counseling but did not receive it, cost was the top barrier to accessing care. Difficulty finding a provider, a lack of available appointments, and transportation were also barriers.

Generation Z adults are feeling the impacts of low vitality the most, the study found. Almost 70 percent of Gen Z respondents who needed but did not receive mental healthcare experienced an access barrier. Over a third (35 percent) of Gen Z adults said their mental health was poor, while 53 percent cited mental health as the most important health problem their generation faces.

Just over a quarter (26 percent) of Gen Z women reported their mental health was excellent or very good, compared to 43 percent of men. Social media may contribute to mental health challenges, as 83 percent of Gen Z adults reported some form of negative consequences from social media.

Gen Z adults were also more concerned about financial challenges, including the high overall cost of living (35 percent), inflation (25 percent), and living wages (14 percent).

Respondents across all generations had a higher vitality score when satisfied with their jobs. Adults with low vitality reported feeling less capable at work, less confident they could do their job well, and were less willing to work harder to help their company succeed.

Adults with high vitality also had better health insurance literacy, with a greater share reporting they understand health insurance terms, can choose a plan that is best for them, and know how to find out what is and is not covered by their plan.

The study results indicate that payers should prioritize initiatives that address member wellbeing, reduce healthcare costs, and improve access to mental healthcare.