According to research by Associated Press-GfK, debt-related stress amongst Americans is 12% lower this year than in 2008, The Associated Press reports.

So far, the economic downturn in America has led to the loss of 6.5 million jobs, pushing the unemployment rate up to 9.5% in June – a 26-year high.

Today, however – despite rising unemployment – it seems Americans are thinking more positively, saving more and paying down their debts.

The research suggests that in 2008, 33% of people questioned said they were at least `somewhat concerned` that they wouldn`t be able to clear their debts. That figure has dropped to 27% this year.

A debt expert for Think Money said: “The situation in America seems to be improving slightly, and this could indicate what the future may hold for the UK, since what happens in the U.S. often happens in the UK sooner or later.

“It`s not just a question of psychology – the UK is closely linked to America financially, and when their economy starts to improve, there`s more hope for our own.”