Omari Gates
Australia has dropped out of the top 10 happiest countries in the World Happiness Report for the first time in 2019, falling to 11th place. This has sparked discussions about the happiness of Australians and what contributes to their well-being. Various factors, such as income, freedom, trust, healthy life expectancy, social support, and generosity, are considered in the report's rankings. While the ranking provides a broad indication of national happiness, individual factors that influence Australians' happiness and life satisfaction are also explored in studies. These include work-life, relationships, health, and personal preferences.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| World Happiness ranking | 11th place |
| Comparison with other countries | Dropped out of the top 10 happiest countries in 2019 |
| Factors affecting happiness | Income, freedom, trust, healthy life expectancy, social support, and generosity |
| Alcohol consumption | People drinking up to 42 alcoholic drinks per week reported high levels of short-term health and well-being |
| Work-life balance | Working more had a positive impact on health; satisfied with working more than 51 hours of paid work and 81 hours of total work |
| Living arrangements | Living with a partner increased men's health; towns smaller than 1,000 people and non-urban areas increased life satisfaction |
| Relationship satisfaction | Men and women in de facto relationships were more satisfied; longer relationships led to lower satisfaction, except after 20+ years of marriage |
| LGBTQ+ community | LGB individuals had poorer health and were less happy, with gay and bisexual men feeling less safe |
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What You'll Learn
Australia's happiness ranking
In 2019, Australia dropped out of the top 10 happiest countries in the World Happiness Report for the first time, falling to 11th place. This is a drop of two places since 2016. Finland retained its top spot for a second consecutive year. Australia's neighbours, New Zealand, ranked 8th, three spots ahead.
The report ranks countries on six key variables: income, freedom, trust, healthy life expectancy, social support, and generosity. While the reasons for Australia's drop in happiness rankings are not clear, it could be due to various factors, including social media comparisons, as suggested by an article in Eternity News. The article highlights the dangers of social media use, which can lead to depression and other psychological issues due to the constant comparison to others.
A study of nearly 20,000 Australians conducted in 2015 revealed some interesting findings about what contributes to happiness and health for Australians. The survey found that people who drank up to 42 alcoholic drinks per week reported high levels of short-term health and well-being. However, the authors cautioned that the long-term effects of alcohol consumption were not considered. The survey also found that Australians were satisfied with working more than 51 hours of paid work and 81 hours of total work per week, with no apparent detrimental effect on their well-being.
Additionally, the study found that living with a partner increased men's health but not women's. Towns smaller than 1,000 people and non-urban areas were found to increase life satisfaction the most, followed by urban areas outside major cities. Neighbours helping out and doing things together positively impacted life satisfaction. People who lived in wealthier areas reported higher life satisfaction. The study also revealed that children negatively impacted relationship happiness, with men being more satisfied with their partners than women.
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Social media and mental health
There has been a notable increase in the prevalence of mental illness among young people in Australia, coinciding with a rise in social media usage. This has led to concerns about the impact of social media on the mental health of young people in Australia and has prompted the Australian government to propose a ban on social media for those under 16.
Several studies have found associations between social media usage by young people and mental ill health. One study examined the interplay between social media use, sleep quality, and mental health in youth, finding that social media usage can negatively impact sleep quality, which in turn can contribute to mental health issues. However, it is important to note that the relationship between social media and mental health is complex, and there may be other factors at play.
The potential impact of social media on mental health has sparked debates about restrictive measures, with some arguing that restricting access for young people could reduce mental illness. However, others emphasize the need for more comprehensive evidence before implementing such measures. It is crucial to consider alternative explanations and conduct further studies to ensure that any public health interventions are well-informed and targeted effectively.
While social media can have negative impacts on mental health, it is also a space where young people can find support and connect with others going through similar struggles. The online community can provide a sense of belonging and help combat feelings of isolation, particularly for those who may struggle to find support in their offline lives. Additionally, many mental health resources and initiatives are now available online, offering easily accessible information and tools for managing mental health.
Overall, while social media's role in the increase in youth mental illness cannot be confirmed, the concerns about its potential impact are valid. A nuanced approach is necessary, addressing the potential risks while also harnessing the positive aspects of social media to promote mental well-being. This may include educating young people about the potential negative impacts, encouraging positive engagement, and providing support for navigating the online space in a healthy manner.
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Alcohol consumption
The percentage of Australians who consumed alcohol daily remained relatively stable between 2019 (5.4%) and 2022-23 (5.2%), with men having a higher rate of daily drinking than women (6.7% vs 3.7%). Just over one-third (35.9%) of Australians reported drinking alcohol weekly in 2022-23, excluding daily drinkers. While there was no significant change in overall alcohol consumption among secondary school students between 2017 and 2022-23, there was a notable decrease in the percentage of male students who consumed alcohol in the last month (24.8% to 16.7%).
In terms of alcohol consumption by type, wine accounted for the largest proportion of apparent alcohol consumption in Australia in 2019-20 (42%), followed by beer (35%) and spirits (21%). The consumption of spirits per capita has increased since 2016-17, reaching 2.1 litres per capita in 2019-20, the highest level since 2007-08. On average, Australian households spent $32 on alcoholic beverages per week between 2009-10 and 2015-16.
While alcohol consumption is prevalent in Australia, harmful levels of consumption remain a significant public health concern. Excessive alcohol intake increases the risk of developing chronic conditions, injuries, and premature death. The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) released revised guidelines in December 2020 to address the health risks associated with alcohol consumption.
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Work-life and overtime
Australia is one of the top 5 countries in the world for median net wealth. However, this does not necessarily translate to a better work-life balance. Several factors, including the high cost of living, high personal debt per household, and expensive housing, have created a demanding work environment for many Australians.
Full-time employees in Australia typically work 38 to 40 hours per week and are entitled to overtime pay unless stated otherwise in their employment contract. Part-time employees are also entitled to overtime pay when working outside their scheduled hours or during atypical times, such as weekends or late nights. However, determining fair overtime compensation can be challenging, and employees with higher wages may not always be entitled to overtime pay.
Overtime pay is calculated based on an employee's standard hourly rate and the number of overtime hours worked. Employers must also consider factors such as the employee's full-time, part-time, permanent, or temporary status when determining overtime eligibility and rates. Additionally, some awards and contracts provide employees with the option to receive paid time off instead of overtime compensation, especially when longer work hours are due to travel or higher demand.
In Australia, sick and carer's leave accumulates over time, and employees can use this leave for various purposes, including funeral attendance. However, there are limits to the accumulation of leave, and long service leave may only be accessible after working full-time for an employer for seven years or more.
While some Australians enjoy the benefits of contracting work and high hourly rates, others express frustration with the amount of overtime they work and the limited flexibility provided by employers. The hope for a four-day workweek reflects a desire for improved work-life balance.
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LGBTQ+ health and happiness
Australia is home to a diverse range of individuals and communities, including those who identify as LGBTQ+. While the country has made strides in recent years to foster inclusion and celebration of LGBTQ+ identities, there remains a need to address the mental health and overall wellbeing of this community.
The mental health of LGBTQ+ individuals in Australia is a critical aspect of their overall health and happiness. Research highlights that LGBTQ+ youth experience disproportionately poor mental health outcomes compared to their non-LGBTQ+ peers. This is often due to experiencing stigma, discrimination, bullying, violence, and exclusion. As a result, LGBTQ+ people may face challenges in various aspects of their lives, including work, relationships, finances, and housing.
However, studies have also identified strategies and settings that promote positive mental health and happiness within the LGBTQ+ community. Affirming educational and workplace environments are associated with better mental health and greater happiness among LGBTQ+ youth. These settings provide a sense of safety and comfort, allowing individuals to freely express their identities and feel validated.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) recognises the unique experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals and the importance of mental health in overall wellbeing. The ABS has conducted studies to understand the mental health landscape within the LGBTQ+ community, including the prevalence of mental disorders and service usage for mental health support.
Furthermore, self-management strategies have been shown to be effective for trans individuals' mental health. These strategies include increasing physical activity and engaging in enjoyable activities, empowering individuals to take proactive roles in their mental health journeys.
Overall, ensuring the health and happiness of LGBTQ+ individuals in Australia requires a multi-faceted approach. It involves creating inclusive and affirming environments, addressing mental health challenges, and promoting self-management strategies. By fostering a sense of belonging and acceptance, LGBTQ+ individuals can thrive and achieve greater overall happiness and wellbeing.
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Frequently asked questions
According to the 2019 World Happiness Report, Australia dropped out of the top 10 happiest countries for the first time. Finland retained its top spot, while Australia moved down two places to 11th place.
A long-term study of nearly 20,000 Australians revealed various factors that contribute to their happiness and health. These include a healthy weight, a comfortable income, and social connections. The study also found that living in smaller towns or non-urban areas increased life satisfaction, and that neighbours helping each other and engaging in activities together positively impacted overall happiness.
Yes, there are some demographic differences in happiness levels within Australia. For example, people who identify as lesbian, gay, or bisexual (LGB) tend to have poorer health and lower happiness levels than heterosexual individuals. Additionally, men in relationships tend to have higher satisfaction than women, and the presence of children in a relationship can decrease happiness levels.
The 2019 World Happiness Report suggested that the unhappiness of Australian citizens could influence voting intentions. The report found that happier people are more likely to vote for incumbent parties, indicating a potential challenge for the government at the time, facing a federal election.
In the 2019 World Happiness Report, Australia ranked 11th, with Finland, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Sweden ahead of it. New Zealand, facing the Christchurch mosque terror attacks, ranked 8th. The United Kingdom, amidst Brexit uncertainty, jumped to 15th place, while the United States dropped to 19th.
