At a time when economists continue to debate the likelihood of a double-dip recession, the majority of middle-class Americans think the nation is already in one, according to the First Command Financial Behaviors Index®.

Recent findings of the monthly survey reveal that 63 percent of middle-class consumers believe the U.S. is in a double-dip recession, up sharply from 50 percent last summer. Among those who say a double-dip recession is already under way, three quarters think it will be more than a year before the economy beings to show signs of recovery. And one in five consumers say it will be more than three years before the U.S. begins to emerge from the downturn.

“Americans aren’t looking for a meaningful recovery any time soon,” said Scott Spiker, CEO of First Command Financial Services, Inc. “The Index reveals a widespread belief that the U.S. has already experienced a recession and a short-lived recovery and is now experiencing a second recession. This conviction is being fueled by a host of pressing economic worries that do not come with quick resolutions, further intensifying consumer uncertainty and concern.”

Americans who think the U.S. is currently experiencing a double-dip recession believe it is being caused primarily by:

- Continued high unemployment (69 percent).

- Weak housing market (55 percent).

- Global debt/recessions (54 percent).

- Slowed consumer spending (48 percent).

- Low consumer confidence (41 percent).

Notably, relatively few middle-class Americans attribute recessionary conditions to government actions, such as:

- Tax hikes (28 percent).

- Government spending cuts (27 percent).

- Expiration of government stimulus money (24 percent).

Rather than look to Washington, middle-class Americans are continuing to take responsibility for their own finances. The Index reveals that many consumers are focused on improving their personal finances by saving more, spending less and cutting debt. This focus on fiscal responsibility is reflected in a variety of consumer behaviors, including increased coupon use, reduced travel, shopping at discount stores and cooking at home more often.

“Half of middle-class Americans say they have embraced frugality as a way of life,” Spiker said. “The silver lining to the economic turmoil has been a rediscovery of frugal living, a more conservative approach to personal finance that is helping families weather the current economic storm and commit to building a stronger financial future.”