Americans' worst fears revealed: Government corruption ahead of terrorism, finances

The United States is apparently a nation gripped by fears and phobias, and what matters concern the nation's people most has been revealed.

In conducting the 3rd annual Chapman University Survey of American Fears, researchers asked 1,500 people across the nation to share their feelings on a number of perceived threats.

Categories ranged from the personal to the paranormal and included conspiracy theories, fear of Muslims, natural disasters, and terrorism.

Taking the number 1 spot on the list is 'corruption of government officials,' which 60.6% of respondents expressed as a concern.

Just behind in slots 2 through 4 are, in order, 'terrorist attacks,' 'not having enough money for the future,' and 'being a victim of terror.'

At number 5 is 'government restrictions on firearms and ammunition,' and 'people I love dying' lands in position 6.

Rounding out the top 10 are 'economic or financial collapse,' 'identify theft,' 'people I love becoming seriously ill,' and 'the Affordable Health Care Act/Obamacare.'

Dr. Christopher Bader, the study's leader, said, "People often fear what they cannot control, and we find continued evidence of that in our top fears."