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.
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