New Cigna Research Shows Purpose Can Offset Chronic Disease
New Cigna Research Shows Purpose Can Offset Chronic Disease |
| [03-December-2025] |
Less than 1 in 3 Americans Have a Strong Sense of Purpose BLOOMFIELD, Conn., Dec. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- New research from The Cigna Group (NYSE:CI) finds that people who have a strong sense of purpose experience far higher vitality, better health, stronger relationships, and greater engagement at work. Yet according to the 2025 Vitality in America report, fewer than one in three American adults report having a strong sense of purpose. Experience the full interactive Multichannel News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/cigna/9239451-en-the-cigna-group-2025-vitality-in-america-report  "Having a sense of purpose gives people energy and helps them feel happier and healthier," said Stuart Lustig, MD, national medical executive for behavioral strategy and product design, Cigna Healthcare. "When you know what matters to you, you're more likely to bounce back from tough times, build strong friendships, and take care of yourself, doing things like eating well, staying active, and getting enough rest, all which impact your overall physical health." People without purpose are 2-3x more likely to feel depressed Additionally, purpose seems to have a major effect on people who already struggle with their mental health. Research shows that lacking a strong sense of purpose is linked with increased feelings of depression and anxiety. Among people with mental health conditions, those without a clear sense of purpose are twice as likely to find it difficult to take initiative (20% vs. 46%) and nearly three times as likely to feel low enthusiasm (12% vs. 33%). Lacking purpose is linked to unhealthy behaviors Having a strong sense of purpose is linked to greater autonomy and control over one's physical health – 84% of adults with strong purpose say they feel in control over their future health, vs. 55% of those without strong purpose. Loneliness befriends those without purpose However, those who do not feel purposeful are half as likely to make time for the relationships they want (41% vs 87%). Only one in three feel they know how to make friends or like they can meaningfully connect with others. Employees who lack purpose show up differently at work In contrast, purpose-driven employees are more resilient, motivated, and committed. They experience less stress, pursue more growth, and go above and beyond, often earning recognition and driving stronger business outcomes. They are less likely than their coworkers who struggle with purpose to experience two major indicators of productivity: absenteeism, or missing work for any reason, and presenteeism, which means to be physically at work but mentally elsewhere. Although workers with a strong sense of purpose feel the same degree of job pressure and demands as those without, they seem to be more resilient. "Like vitality, purpose is attainable for everyone, and it's a powerful tool for living your best and healthiest life," added Lustig. This is the fourth annual report published by The Cigna Group on the state of Vitality in America. The Vitality In America survey uses the Evernorth Vitality Index to measure an individual's sense of competency, autonomy, and relatedness across eight dimensions of health: emotional, environmental, financial, intellectual, occupational, physical, purpose, and social. The Vitality in America 2025 report offers actionable insights to foster purpose and vitality. Read the report here. Methodology: About The Cigna Group: Media Contact:
SOURCE The Cigna Group | ||
Company Codes: NYSE:CI |
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