Northwestern Mutual sponsored The American Reality Study to help provide insight into how Americans are handling the economic, political, and social changes taking place in the U.S. and what the impact has been on the way they view their lives and their future. Independent research firm Mathew Greenwald & Associates conducted the online survey of 1,000 Americans age 25 or older between January 6 and January 14, 2009.
The American Reality Study revealed a number of surprising results about the attitudes and priorities of Americans, including:
- The American dream is being redefined; success is measured in family units, and quality of life is more important than money, career, possessions.
- There is a pattern of optimism, despite the economic crisis, and Americans are generally positive about the future, even in the near term.
- Americans are satisfied with the success they're achieving with the things that matter to them most, and believe they will eventually achieve their dreams.
- Americans consider money a means to an end, rather than the end itself.
- Middle adulthood is considered the "Golden Years" of life.
In April, Northwestern Mutual launched the Optimism Barometer, based on the findings of The American Reality study, providing individuals with an instant snapshot of their level of optimism and how they stack up against the nation as a whole. Take the quick and easy quiz to see how you compare.
For more information about The American Reality Study, view the news release or download the research report.