Polling conducted by Mustel Group shows that work and children are driving a continuing rise in
stress levels. The good news is that as we finish those responsibilities, a majority of us report
leading more relaxed lives.
- In total, almost four-in-ten BC adults perceive a rise in their stress levels over the past five
years. Among those under 35 years of age, over half have noticed increasingly greater
stress.
- Over half of BC adults say that overall they feel at least somewhat stressed (54%). Middle-aged
and younger people are the most stressed. Women are more stressed than men.
- Others who tend to be more stressed are people in households with children and those
who are working. In fact, work and school-related issues are the most likely to be the cause
of people’s stress. BC residents also note problems with family and relationships, health and
financial woes as factors contributing to their stress.
- The most relaxed are our seniors, the cohort 55 years of age and over. Two-thirds say they
are not stressed overall. On Mustel Group’s past week “Stress-o-meter” measure they
consistently average the lowest scores on the stress scale, compared to younger and
middle-aged British Columbians.
What do people do to relieve their stress?
- Top on the list of stress relievers are listening to music, getting exercise, watching TV or
movies, reading books or magazines and crying on someone’s shoulder—talking to a
special friend.
Survey Details
Two waves of research were conducted (January and May 2006). The surveys also addressed what toll
people think stress will take on their day-to-day lives. |
