Washington (AP) Unemployment continues to rise, home values have tanked and many retirement accounts may have shrunk, but a new poll suggests Americans are feeling less stress these days, at least when it comes to debt.

A new Associated Press-GfK poll finds debt-related stress lower than a year ago.

One analyst says people have "some optimism that the worst is behind them," while another adds "people are doing things that make them feel they are taking charge of their lives again." Respondents indicate they are saving more, spending less and trimming debt to cope with the recession.

Ironically, some of those changes could add to the national economy's stress. If American consumers sharply cut back spending, that could short-circuit hopes for a recovery this year and prolong the recession.

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