New Cigna Research Shows Purpose Can Offset Chronic Disease
Rhea-AI Summary
The Cigna Group (NYSE:CI) released the 2025 Vitality in America report on December 3, 2025, finding that a strong sense of purpose correlates with higher vitality, better health behaviors, stronger relationships, and greater workplace engagement.
Key metrics: vitality scores (88.9 vs 61.3), feeling energized (63% vs 13%), looking forward to each day (86% vs 31%), perceived control over future health (84% vs 55%), volunteer rates (42% vs 26%), and mental-health differences for those lacking purpose (2–3x higher rates of depression/anxiety indicators). The survey polled 5,000 U.S. adults June 3–22, 2025, using the Evernorth Vitality Index.
Positive
- Vitality score gap: 88.9 vs 61.3
- Feeling energized 63% (with purpose) vs 13% (without)
- Perceived health control 84% (with purpose) vs 55%
- Volunteer rate 42% (with purpose) vs 26% (without)
- Lower workplace productivity risks tied to purpose (absenteeism/presenteeism)
Negative
- Fewer than 1 in 3 American adults report strong purpose
- Higher depression/anxiety indicators 2–3x for those without purpose
- Much lower daily enthusiasm 86% vs 31% looking forward to each day
- Lower preventive care and mindful nutrition among those lacking purpose (36%)
Less than 1 in 3 Americans Have 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
People without purpose have significantly lower vitality than those who have a strong sense of purpose (61.3 vs. 88.9). They're also five times less likely to feel energized (
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 (
Lacking purpose is linked to unhealthy behaviors
Individuals who lack purpose are less likely to have had an annual physical or dental exam within the past year and are half as likely to wake feeling rested. Roughly one in three people (
Having a strong sense of purpose is linked to greater autonomy and control over one's physical health –
Loneliness befriends those without purpose
People with a strong sense of purpose have the confidence and competence necessary to strengthen relationships, and they actively choose to spend time with the people in their lives who matter. People with a strong sense of purpose are also more engaged in their community through volunteering, with
However, those who do not feel purposeful are half as likely to make time for the relationships they want (
Employees who lack purpose show up differently at work
Employees without a clear sense of purpose are more likely to be disengaged, burned out, and seeking new jobs—leading to absenteeism, presenteeism, and turnover.
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:
For the Vitality in America 2025 report, The Cigna Group conducted an online survey with 5,000
About The Cigna Group:
The Cigna Group (NYSE:CI) is a global health company committed to creating a better future built on the vitality of every individual and every community. We relentlessly challenge ourselves to partner and innovate solutions for better health. The Cigna Group includes products and services marketed under Cigna Healthcare, Evernorth Health Services or its subsidiaries. The Cigna Group maintains sales capabilities in more than 30 countries and jurisdictions and has more than 180 million customer relationships around the world. Learn more at www.thecignagroup.com.
Media Contact:
Kelly Mathews
423.260.9267
Kelly.mathews@evernorth.com
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-cigna-research-shows-purpose-can-offset-chronic-disease-302631339.html
SOURCE The Cigna Group
FAQ
What did The Cigna Group (CI) report about purpose in the 2025 Vitality in America report?
How many U.S. adults did the CI Vitality in America 2025 survey include and when was it conducted?
How much higher was the vitality score for adults with purpose in the CI 2025 report?
What workplace impacts did CI (NYSE:CI) report for employees lacking purpose?
What mental health differences did the CI 2025 report find for people without purpose?
Where can investors read the full CI 2025 Vitality in America report?
