Britain more downbeat than ever due to coronavirus crisis

In an online survey by Ipsos MORI, almost two-thirds (62%) of Britons say they are finding it harder to stay positive about the future now, compared to before the outbreak of COVID-19.

Women are significantly more likely to be finding it harder. Three-quarters (72%) are struggling to look forward to the future compared to around half of men (51%). Youngsters are also finding it harder to be positive. Two-thirds (67%) of 18-34-year olds are finding it more difficult, while only half (54%) of 55-75s have the same outlook.

Parents are also finding it harder to keep positive. Those with at least one child aged 17 or under in their household have a bleaker view of the future, seven in ten (69%) of this group are finding it harder to stay positive about the future since the coronavirus crisis, while only six in ten (59%) Britons without a child present in the household say the same.

Day-to-day isn’t as bad. Although still difficult, it is slightly easier for people to stay positive day-to-day. Just over half (55%) of Britons say they are finding it harder to stay positive daily since the start of the coronavirus crisis, while 41% say it has stayed the same.

Similar to positivity for the future, women and younger generations are finding it harder to stay upbeat. While two-thirds (65%) of women are struggling to remain optimistic on a daily basis, 45% of men are having the same difficulties.  Forty-four percent of 55-75s are finding daily positivity harder than before, compared to a majority (56%) of 18-34-year olds feeling the effects.

Other findings:

• 85% say it has become more difficult to get what you need from the shops following the coronavirus outbreak.
• 57% have seen no change when it comes to being able to afford their usual expenses, but almost four in ten say it’s now harder (37%).
• 58% say staying in touch with friends and family is the same as it was before the crisis began, while a third (33%) say it’s become more difficult.
• Over three in five (62%) Britons say the ease with which they can keep themselves entertained has not changed.

Kelly Beaver, MD Ipsos MORI Public Affairs, said: “In the last fortnight we have all been thrown into an unfamiliar and daunting world. Therefore, it isn’t entirely surprising that two thirds of Britons are reporting that it is harder to stay positive about the future and over half of us find it a struggle to stay positive day-to-day.”