Only the lonely

More than half in middle of a crisis... but maturity of response is praised

- DANNY DE VAAL

MORE than half of people have felt lonely in the previous month, the results of a study revealed.

The research also found only 21% of women "never felt their ability has been doubted or undervalued because of their gender" while this stood at 53% for men who answered the same question.

The data showed 60% of males and 67% of females had felt lonely over the previous four weeks before they were quizzed.

The study, which was published by AXA, revealed that 52% of people felt "overwhelmed" by factors beyond their control.

Figures also showed 21% of people had experienced "extremely severe or severe" symptoms of stress in the past week".

The research, which was carried out by Ipsos, took place in September and October of last year and 2,000 adults in Ireland took part.

Some of the more positive findings included that 53% of participants strongly agreed or agreed with the statement: "I'm a happy person these days".

While 62% said that they strongly agreed or agreed that they often experience joy and elation".