Recession leads many to change their view of the American dream

— -- According to the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index, about 48% of Americans were seen as "thriving" on Jan. 2, 2008, when the price of oil hit $100 a barrel for the first time. By the time the economy was officially declared a recession 11 months later, the "thriving" group was down to 38%, while 62% of Americans were in the "struggling" or "suffering" categories.

Most people remain optimistic about their prospects, though. A USA TODAY/Gallup Poll of 1,044 U.S. adults earlier this month found that 84% of respondents think Americans who who were born about 50 years ago have had a better life than their parents did. Seventy-two percent of those surveyed were more likely to agree with the view that they can realize the American dreams in their lifetimes if they work hard and play by the rules.