California's Chapman University has released the results of its 11th annual Chapman University Survey of American Fears (CSAF), revealing that corrupt government officials remain the top fear for Americans for the 10th consecutive year, with 69% of respondents reporting they are afraid or very afraid.
This persistent anxiety, which first topped the list in 2016, underscores deep concerns about institutional trust amid political polarization and economic uncertainty.
The survey, a nationally representative poll of 1,015 U.S. adults conducted by SSRS (with a margin of error of ±3.6%), explores over 65 potential fears across categories like government, health, economy, technology, environment, and the paranormal, highlighting how these worries influence daily behaviors, decision-making, and emotional well-being.
Top 10 Fears in 2025The survey ranks fears based on the percentage of respondents who are "afraid" or "very afraid." Here's the full top 10 list from the 2025 edition:
“Understanding what we’re afraid of isn’t about stoking anxiety, it’s about putting those fears into context,” said Dr. Christopher Bader, Chair and Professor of Sociology at Chapman University and lead researcher on the study. “Often, the events that capture the most media and social media attention are rare and unusual. But because they’re highlighted so vividly and so often, they can feel like daily threats. Recognizing that difference helps us regain perspective and power over our own emotions.”