Survey data indicates Americans are less optimistic

Gallup released 2025 survey data this month from its National Health and Well-Being Index showing a significant drop in Americans' optimism for the future. Taken from four quarterly surveys conducted last year, a total of 22,125 respondents were asked to "imagine a ladder with steps numbered from zero at the bottom to 10 at the top." They were then asked to select the number that represents where they presently stand. Slightly over 59% of those in the sample size believed their lives would be prosperous in five years. While this number may not seem disturbing at first, Dan Witters, Gallup's National Health and Well-Being Index research director, pointed out that this is the lowest percentage since these interviews began nearly 20 years ago, and there are fewer Americans, those who rated their current lives as a 7 and their "anticipated lives" as an 8, viewed as "thriving." Witters further explains that "future life ratings" have been declining since the COVID-19 pandemic, and that people of color, primarily African Americans and Hispanics, are particularly anxious about upcoming years. The Gallup research also measures future optimism along partisan lines, showing that Democrats' enthusiasm dropped after the end of Joe Biden's presidential term and that Republicans appear a little more confident as they continue to support President Donald Trump's administration. Regarding the current pessimism of some Hispanics, much of it stems from their disapproval of Trump's immigration policies, and recent Pew Research Center data shows that over 50% of Hispanics are worried about deportation, and close to 70% of Latinos believe that many Americans view them negatively. Gallup poll statistics have historically shown that African Americans are more hopeful than other ethnic groups. However, Blacks' confidence regarding their continued success in the future had a huge dropoff between 2021 and 2024. One major reason for this decline in positivity is their unease about high unemployment and the economy. For example, data released by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities shows that December unemployment among Black households in 2025 was 7.5%, the highest since October 2021. Latino voters also listed the economy as their top concern heading into the 2024 presidential election. In my personal assessment of the National Health and Well-Being Index findings, I kept thinking about the importance of "well-being" and how many in my generation, Gen X, are dealing with major life adjustments. We are now at an age when we are focused on the latter stages of securing our retirement, and many, like me, are caring for aging parents. We are far removed from the "rad" and "dope" vibes of our youth in the '80s and '90s, as economic and health stability are now at the forefront in our plans for the future. And the future can seem scary as we get older, but one thing I do not want to do is live in a perpetual state of anxiety. The concerns behind many Americans' fears are rooted in the apprehension of not knowing what lies ahead. While I have given in to fear regarding my private challenges and my reaction to economic, political and social issues affecting our nation, during this season of my life, I am looking to two passages of Scripture for assurance in our uncertain times. The first is Jeremiah 29:11, which states that God plans to give us "an expected end," meaning that no matter how dire the obstacles we face, we have His promise that He will strengthen us to overcome and be victorious. The second is Matthew 6:25, where Jesus encourages those listening to His teachings not to worry or fret about the things of everyday life. "Look at the birds," Jesus said. "They don't plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren't you far more valuable to him than they are?" This does not mean that we should be idle and slothful, expecting provision to rain down from heaven. Instead, when we diligently attend to our responsibilities, God guarantees that He will take care of us, even when hardship comes. Jesus' main point of not worrying was that constant anxiety about the future will not "add a single moment to your life." The Gallup and Pew findings reveal the mood of many Americans toward the end of 2025. We are still in the early stages of the new year, so we should feel optimistic about the changes that we can make despite what is going on around us. Each day God blesses us with is an opportunity to progress in our lives. Dr. Jessica A. Johnson is a lecturer in the English department at Ohio State University's Lima campus.