New High of 90% of Americans Satisfied With Personal Life

via Gallup

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Nine in 10 Americans are satisfied with the way things are going in their personal life, a new high in Gallup's four-decade trend. The latest figure bests the previous high of 88% recorded in 2003.

These results are from Gallup's Mood of the Nation poll, conducted Jan. 2-15, which also recorded a 20-year high in Americans' confidence in the U.S. economy. The percentage of Americans who report being satisfied with their personal life is similar to the 86% who said in December that they were very or fairly happy-- though the happiness figure, while high, is on the low end of what Gallup has measured historically for that question.

Despite some variation, solid majorities of Americans have reported being satisfied with their personal life over the past few decades, with an average of 83% satisfied since 1979. The historical low of 73% was recorded in July 1979, as the effects of that year's oil crisis took a toll on U.S. motorists. During that poll's fielding dates, then-President Jimmy Carter delivered his "malaise speech," which was interpreted by some as placing blame on Americans themselves for the rough economic spot the country was in.

The complete study from Gallup here > New High of 90% of Americans Satisfied With Personal Life

Nearly six in 10 Americans, or 59%, say they are better off financially today than a year ago, according to a new Galluppoll. That's in line with the annual national mood check's highest prior reading in January 1999. 

As during the dot-com era boom, low unemployment and a buoyant stock market are boosting people's confidence in their current economic prospects, Gallup noted. The survey of more than 1,000 adults was conducted January 2 through January 15

More from CBS here > Nearly 60% of Americans say they're better off financially than a year ago


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