A new study by Artemis Strategy Group finds that the events of the past two years have served as a catalyst for lasting change for many Americans. Nearly eight out of 10 (78%) have experienced a health or financial problem since March 2020. However, many have experienced positive outcomes during this eventful period and have put most negative repercussions behind them. Half (51%) say the pandemic created the opportunity for a personal reset.
WASHINGTON, Sept. 21, 2022 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Half (51%) of Americans say the pandemic created the opportunity for a personal reset; the opening they needed to do something different with their lives. Those who are younger, Hispanic, or Black are most likely to say the pandemic was a reset.
These striking findings are among the results of Artemis Strategy Group's most recent study, completed in August 2022, which focuses on identifying the lasting impacts of the pandemic and related events.
Catalyzed by the pandemic, momentous economic and social changes have reshaped Americans' work and personal lives. Among those Americans who experienced a reset, nearly eight out of 10 (78%) experienced some form of lasting personal or professional change:
- 45% improved their relationship with their family
- 35% have a closer connection to friends, neighbors or community
- 32% looked for purpose or greater meaning in their lives
- 32% found a better work/life balance
- 31% started to do things they have always wanted to do before
- 20% found work that fit better with personal goals
Lasting Effects
Most Americans (72%) describe the pandemic as having had a substantial effect on their lives. While many of that group say that their lives have returned to normal (41%), nearly a third of the population (31%) characterize the pandemic's effects as substantial and continuing.
"The experience of the pandemic has changed personal priorities for many," said Anne Aldrich, Partner at Artemis Strategy Group. "Having lived through this era will have a continuing impact on important decisions: how we manage our health, our finances, our work and even our personal relationships."
Challenges
Nearly eight out of 10 (78%) experienced a health or financial problem since March 2020. The pandemic has been particularly hard on emotional health, with 43% of Americans saying their emotional/mental health was negatively impacted during the pandemic and one-third (32%) describing their mental health today as worse than it was prior to early 2020.
The events since early 2020 have also taken a heavy toll on the finances of many Americans. Four in ten (43%) say they are worse off financially today than they were before the pandemic, and a similar proportion (40%) describe themselves as not in control of their personal finances.
New Directions
The financial and health lessons of the last 2 years have stuck with large portions of Americans and served as a catalyst for change. Nearly seven out of 10 (68%) made lasting financial or health changes: half (47%) are now paying more attention to their health, and half (51%) are more careful with money or spending.
To learn more about the survey and review additional findings, visit http://www.artemissg.com.
About the Survey:
The Mindset and Motivations Survey of Americans was conducted online among 1,885 adults 18+ from July 7–18, 2022. Overall demographic targets were set to obtain a sample reflective of the U.S. adult population based on Census data.
About Artemis Strategy Group:
Artemis Strategy Group is a communications strategy research firm specializing in brand positioning and policy issues. The firm, headquartered in Washington D.C., provides communications research and consulting to a range of public and private sector clients.
Media Contact
Anne Aldrich, Artemis Strategy Group, 1 6164432198, [email protected]
SOURCE Artemis Strategy Group
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