Trends and Variation in the Gap Between Current and Anticipated Life Satisfaction in the United States, 2008-2020

Abstract

Objectives. To describe national- and county-level trends and variation in a novel measure of hope. Methods. Using data from the Gallup National Health and Well-Being Index (n = 2 766 728), we summarized the difference between anticipated life satisfaction (ALS) and current life satisfaction (CLS), measured by the Cantril Self-Anchoring Scale, for each year from 2008 to 2020 and by county over two 5-year periods in the United States. Results. Across all years, there was a significant positive trend in the difference between ALS and CLS for the nation (P = .024), which remained positive but not significant when we excluded 2020. Maintenance of ALS with a decrease in CLS drove the 2020 increase. From 2008-2012 to 2013-2017, 14.5% of counties with 300 or more responses (n = 599) experienced an increase in the difference of more than 1 SD, whereas 13.9% experienced a more than 1 SD decrease. Fifty-two counties experienced decreases in ALS and CLS. Conclusions. Responding to trends in the gap between ALS and CLS at national and local levels is essential for the collective well-being of our nation, especially as we navigate and emerge from crisis.

FIGURE 1—

Current Life Satisfaction (CLS), Anticipated Life Satisfaction (ALS), and Hope for the United States: 2008–2020 Note. ALS and CLS were scored from 0 to 10 based on the Cantril Self-Anchoring Striving Scale.

FIGURE 2—

Change in Hope as Measured by the Difference Between Anticipated Life Satisfaction (ALS) and Current Life Satisfaction (CLS) for Included US Counties from 2008–2012 (Time 1) to 2013–2017 (Time 2) Note. ALS and CLS were scored from 0 to 10 based on the Cantril Self-Anchoring Striving Scale.

FIGURE 3—

Change in Anticipated Life Satisfaction (ALS) and Current Life Satisfaction (CLS) for Included US Counties: 2008–2012 to 2013–2017 Note. ALS and CLS were scored from 0 to 10 based on the Cantril Self-Anchoring Striving Scale.