In 2024, significantly more tears were shed than in previous years and there were also more arguments, according to a study by market and opinion research institute Marketagent. The Austrians’ stress levels also increased significantly.
On average, people in Austria felt “great stress” on an average of 55.3 days in the year ending, cried 20.3 times and argued 17.8 times. This is evident from the information of 1,000 people who reviewed 2024 for the digital market and opinion research institute Marketagent. As a result, significantly more tears were shed this year than in 2020 and 2017 and the stress level has increased significantly compared to 2020 (2020: 42.6 days).
High stress in everyday life
The high level of stress in everyday life is a central finding of the research, with Generation Z (born between 1994 and 2010, also known as the ‘smartphone generation’) and Millennials (born between 1980 and 1993, being the first ‘digital natives’) ) particularly tense. At 68.5 and 72.1 days, these age groups reported significantly more distress than Generation
Stress levels significantly higher than in 2020
The comparison over time is also worrying: according to the information, the stress level has increased significantly compared to 2020 (then: 42.6 days). In the first Corona year, the population was apparently able to benefit, at least partially, from a certain delay, it was said. But the increase compared to 2017 also shows that people are experiencing more and more days with a lot of stress (2017: 51.8 days).
“Overall, the emotions of the local population appear to be rising faster and stronger,” according to the pollsters’ analysis. “The increased emotional intensity – more stress, more frequent arguments and also more tears – reflects the challenges of our time,” says study leader Andrea Berger. “The combination of global crises and individual stress appears to be testing emotional resilience. At the same time, this may also be an indication of an increasing sensitivity to one’s own feelings and interpersonal relationships.”
Positive trend in exercise and fitness
The research shows a positive trend in the field of exercise and fitness: “On average, the local population went to the gym 14.6 times this year”, young people more than the elderly, who are more active outdoors: walking 12.4 times on average Austrians this year. On average, baby boomers went out 20.4 times. But the skis or snowboard were only strapped on for an average of 1.8 days. A sobering result for “the self-proclaimed number 1 skination” and slightly less than before (2017: 2.1 days), according to Marketagent.
In addition, according to this data, there were more sick days and less alcohol: “Austrians spent an average of 8.8 days sick in bed or on sick leave (2020: 7.6 days) and sought a doctor 6.6 times, took headache pills 10.1 times and had a cold 3.8 times.” This means that people were sicker again than in 2020, when face masks and Corona lockdowns also kept other pathogens under control. On average, people were drunk 5.7 times. “This is almost three times rarer than in 2020 (8.5 times) and also a significant decrease compared to 2017 (7.5 times),” the report said.
Changing cultural consumption
The return to cultural life came with some compromises: while in 2017 people went to the cinema on average 3.6 times a year, in 2020 this was only 1.1 times and in the current year only 2.2 times. “The moderate attendance at cultural and sporting events, especially at the cinema, suggests that priorities have changed,” said Thomas Schwabl, Managing Director of Marketagent. “There is still a demand for culture, but the way it is consumed is changing.”
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
