Why are we so unhappy?
Newsweek speaks with CECH professor and researcher Suzie White
Newsweek spoke with several researchers including Suzie White, assistant professor in the School of Education, at the University of Cincinnati, to investigate a pertinent question,‘why are Americans so unhappy?’
The quandary was shown in the 2026 World Happiness Report that placed the United States 23rd among countries, just behind Saudi Arabia, and trailing several smaller and less wealthy nations despite US global economic influence.
The annual report, which ranked 147 countries, is published by the University of Oxford's Wellbeing Research Centre in partnership with Gallup, the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, and the WHR editorial board.
Dr. Suzie White
White teaches courses at UC on higher education, educational leadership and student well-being. She told Newsweek that the U.S. lags behind higher-ranking countries on several indicators closely tied to life satisfaction
These include "social support, health, perceived freedom, and trust in institutions."
"Social support, meaning having someone to rely on in times of need, stands out as especially important," White told Newsweek.
Other researchers told Newsweek that high levels of stress and disconnection among US residents along with economic pressures and social isolation impact the happiness ranking for the nation. Deeper cultural and policy choices also play a role, they noted.
The U.S. moved up one place from last year's ranking, but this year's results again highlight a gap between the material resources in the nation and its residents' reported life satisfaction.
Read more about the views of Dr. White and other researchers on Newsweek’s website.
Learn more about the U.S. ranking on the website for the World Happiness Report.
Featured top image provided by Istock.
Related Stories
Is your Elf on the Shelf causing more stress than joy?
December 13, 2024
Amanda La Guardia was a guest speaker on WVXU on the topic of the Elf on the Shelf tradition and the pressure it puts on parents during the holiday season. La Guardia is an associate professor of counseling at the University of Cincinnati’s School of Human Services.
Are students vaping more? Educators think so
February 24, 2025
National data has shown a decrease in vaping among young people, but faculty on site in several school districts are reported in an Education Week study that they are seeing an increase. Tobacco use expert Ashley Merianos, professor of human services, say disparity in the study and national reports could be the result of low self-reporting.
Daily Mail: Is it now time to get annoyed with co-workers vaping in the office?
August 21, 2023
More research needs to be done to determine whether secondhand vaping is causing the same issues as secondhand cigarette smoke, but researchers such as UC's Ashley Merianos discourage vaping in the office. Merianos, a tobacco use researcher, was cited in an extensive article by The Daily Mail which covered the topic of vape use in the office.