Los Angeles residents are the most stressed in the nation, according to a new survey released by the American Psychological Association.

The study found that 29 percent of Los Angeles residents reported having high stress levels, compared to a national average of 24 percent. The biggest factors were money and the economy, which Angelenos ranked as higher sources of tension than the rest of the country reported (75 versus 65 percent nationally).

Work was also reported as a serious stress source, with a 10 percent jump in the percentage of residents reporting being stressed out at work.

The pressure to look good in LA also plays a big part. Nearly 30 percent of LA residents reported that their looks stressed them out moderately or “a lot.” That’s a tough figure when only three in 10 Los Angeles residents say they are in excellent or very good health, compared to four in 10 nationally.

Dealing with stress is also different in Los Angeles than nationally, as Angelenos are less likely to manage stress by praying (21 percent vs. 37 percent nationally), going to religious services (11 vs. 22 percent) or shopping (7 vs. 15 percent).

This news comes on the heels of Travel + Leisure magazine’s America’s Favorite Cities survey, in which Los Angeles ranked dismally in intelligence and friendliness.

The survey polls both visitors and residents, and visitors ranked Los Angelenos as number 34 out of 35 cities for intelligence, and the very bottom of the charts for friendliness. More significantly, Los Angelenos ranked themselves at a dismal number 32 and 34 for intelligence and friendliness. 

What’s to be gathered from these studies? Not only does the rest of the country think we’re stressed, mean and stupid, we have a tendency to agree.

Time for an attitude change, LA?

Reach reporter Corianda Dimes here.