Age

Participants in the study were primarily between the ages of 18-25, a group often marked by significant transitions such as pursuing higher education or entering the workforce. This group reported some of the highest levels of social and generalized anxiety, likely due to academic and career pressures as well as uncertainty about the future. The 26-35 age group, representing early professionals, experienced similar levels of anxiety, although their concerns tended to focus more on work-life balance and financial stability. Older groups, such as 36-45, 46-55, and 56+, generally showed lower levels of anxiety but still cited stressors related to career advancement, family responsibilities, and health concerns. This distribution aligns with findings from recent psychological studies, which show that younger adults typically report higher anxiety levels compared to older adults, whose concerns shift toward different life factors over time.

Race

Significant Indicator

Non-White participants include individuals from racial or ethnic groups outside of those classified as White, such as Black, Latino, Asian, Indigenous, and other ethnicities. Research shows that Non-White individuals often experience systemic inequalities, discrimination, and socioeconomic challenges, contributing to higher anxiety levels and other mental health issues. Conversely, White participants identify with European ancestry and encompass various cultural backgrounds from Europe and North America. While they reported moderate anxiety levels, White individuals generally face fewer systemic barriers, impacting their overall mental health outcomes. This distinction is essential for understanding the disparities in anxiety levels noted in the study, emphasizing the unique mental health challenges faced by Non-White racial groups.

Gender

In this study, participants who identified as Women reported higher levels of both social and generalized anxiety compared to those who identified as Men, which aligns with research showing that women are more prone to anxiety disorders due to a combination of biological and social factors. Non-binary participants also reported notably high levels of anxiety, often due to marginalization, identity-related stress, and lack of societal support. Research from the past five years consistently shows that gender minorities, including Non-binary individuals, experience elevated anxiety compared to their cisgender peers, often due to identity-based stress.

Sexuality

A significant portion of participants identified as asexual, which provided unique insights into anxiety levels within this group. Asexual individuals reported elevated anxiety levels, particularly in social contexts where their identities were misunderstood or marginalized. LGBTQ+ participants overall, including those identifying as gay, lesbian, and bisexual, reported higher rates of both social and generalized anxiety compared to their heterosexual counterparts, largely due to societal stigma and discrimination. Modern psychological research consistently shows that sexual minorities experience higher anxiety due to these external pressures.

Education Level

Most participants in this study had at least some college education, with many holding bachelor’s or graduate degrees. Those with higher levels of education reported moderate levels of anxiety, often related to career expectations and financial burdens from student debt. Participants with only a high school diploma or associate’s degree reported slightly higher levels of anxiety, often related to job insecurity or limited career advancement opportunities. Education level is closely tied to socioeconomic status, which in turn influences anxiety levels, with lower-educated individuals typically facing more financial stressors that heighten anxiety.

Annual Income

The majority of participants reported an annual income below $50,000, and this group experienced the highest levels of both generalized and social anxiety, largely due to financial instability, job insecurity, and the stress of meeting basic needs. Participants with an income between $50,000 and $100,000 reported moderate anxiety levels, while those earning above $100,000 generally reported lower levels of anxiety. Modern research has shown a consistent correlation between lower income and higher anxiety, as financial stress remains a significant factor contributing to mental health challenges.

Employment Status

Significant Indicator

Participants who identified as unemployed reported the highest levels of anxiety across all metrics, reflecting the psychological toll of joblessness, financial strain, and uncertainty about the future. Part-time and full-time workers reported moderate anxiety levels, with stress often stemming from work-related pressures such as job security and performance expectations. However, the most extreme anxiety levels were concentrated among those without stable employment, aligning with recent studies that emphasize the significant mental health impacts of unemployment.

Disability

Participants who identified as having a disability (visible & invisible) reported the highest levels of both social and generalized anxiety. These individuals often face additional stress due to accessibility issues, societal stigma, and health-related concerns, which exacerbate their mental health challenges. Modern psychological research consistently finds that individuals with disabilities experience heightened anxiety, often due to systemic barriers and chronic health issues that create ongoing stress.

Participants

A total of 235 participants were recruited through online platforms and university outreach. The sample represented a diverse range of backgrounds, with a statistical majority of respondents hailing from the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Israel, and Thailand. While the study aimed to capture a broad spectrum of demographic groups, it adhered to ethical standards by excluding individuals under the age of 18. The recruitment process leveraged various online resources and networks, along with direct distribution to Seattle University students. Importantly, the sample included a notably large population of respondents identifying as asexual, making the data statistically significant for this traditionally under-represented group.

Data Collection

Data were collected via an online survey distributed through the Qualtrics platform. The survey underwent three iterations for refinement and received formal IRB approval prior to distribution. The survey captured two primary sets of data: anxiety levels (generalized and social) and demographic information (age, race, gender, sexuality, education level, annual income, employment status, disability status, among others). The questions measuring anxiety levels included standardized instruments like the GAD-7 scale to ensure reliability and validity in assessing anxiety.

Key Variables & Measures

The study’s primary variables focused on two forms of anxiety: generalized anxiety and social anxiety. These were analyzed in relation to demographic characteristics such as race, gender, sexuality, age, employment status, education level, income, and disability status. This allowed for a robust exploration of how these factors correlate with different anxiety outcomes during the pandemic.

Data Analysis

Data were analyzed using SPSS and JASP software, employing a range of statistical tests, including t-tests, to examine relationships between demographic variables and anxiety outcomes. The analysis focused on identifying significant differences between groups, particularly in terms of racial, gender, and socioeconomic disparities in reported anxiety. Descriptive statistics were generated to summarize the sample characteristics, and inferential statistics were used to test hypotheses about the relationship between demographics and anxiety.

Ethical Considerations

All participants provided informed consent before beginning the survey, and all data were collected anonymously. Confidentiality was maintained throughout the study, with data stored on a secure server and wiped after the research was concluded. No personally identifiable information was collected, ensuring full compliance with ethical research standards.

Limitations

One limitation of this study is the predominance of W.E.I.R.D. respondents—Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, and Democratic. Many participants were university students, young adults, and white individuals, which may limit the generalizability of the findings to a broader population. Additionally, the overwhelming number of white respondents led to the categorization of participants into “white” and “non-white,” following expert recommendations to strengthen the statistical significance for non-white groups.