A new international study by the Worldwide Independent Network of Market Research (WIN) reveals that stress levels are rising worldwide, with women and younger adults reporting the highest levels.
Released for World Mental Health Day on October 10, the study draws on responses from over 45,000 people across 45 countries. It examines how frequently people experience stress, what causes it and how these experiences differ by gender, age and life stage.
As a member of WIN, Leger contributed to the international study by conducting the research in Canada and the United States.
Key Highlights
- 42% of people globally report feeling stressed very often or fairly often, up from 32% in 2025.
- Women report higher stress levels than men, at 48% versus 36% globally.
- Younger adults report the highest stress levels: 49% to 50% of those aged 18 to 34 report frequent stress, compared with 24% of those over 65.
- Money and work are the leading sources of stress worldwide, each cited by 32% of respondents, followed by family (29%) and health (28%).
- 45% of Canadians report feeling stressed very often or fairly often, slightly above the global average of 42%.
What's Driving Stress Around the World?
The factors associated with stress also vary by gender and age. Women are more likely than men to cite family, financial concerns and health, while men are more likely to identify work. Financial and work-related concerns are particularly prominent among younger adults, while health becomes the leading source of stress among those aged 55 and older.
The rise in reported stress is widespread. Of the 39 countries included in both the 2025 and 2026 studies, 34 recorded an increase in stress levels.
A Closer Look at Stress in Canada
The leading sources of stress among Canadians are:
- Lack of money or debt: 35%
- Family: 34%
- Health: 33%
- Work: 28%
Compared with the global results, Canadians are more likely to cite family (34% versus 29%) and health (33% versus 28%) as sources of stress, while work is mentioned less frequently (28% versus 32%).
These findings offer a Canadian perspective on the broader international study, showing how the relative importance of stress factors varies across populations.
