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

Abstract

<b>Objectives.</b> To describe national- and county-level trends and variation in a novel measure of hope. <b>Methods.</b> 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. <b>Results.</b> Across all years, there was a significant positive trend in the difference between ALS and CLS for the nation (<i>P</i> = .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. <b>Conclusions.</b> 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.