Irish people are happier than ever, less stressed but increasingly selfish, a new survey has revealed.
The Quality of Life in Ireland Report, compiled from a survey carried out on behalf of Guinness, is intended to give an insight into the social, cultural and value trends of the Irish people.
One thousand adults aged 15 to 75 and eight focus groups used what Guinness dubbed a "Goodness Index" to measure quality of life based upon emotional, family, physical and financial goodness.
According to the report, those living in rural areas are markedly happier with their quality of life than those in urban areas, with Dublin ranking at the bottom of the pile in the happiness stakes.
Despite this urban-rural divide, however, 77 per cent of all those surveyed felt that their general quality of life had improved over the last five years.
Stress levels are increasing, with 39 per cent of people saying they never feel stressed, compared with 32 per cent in 1999, the survey found. However, health and financial worries were the issues that impact most on quality of life.
The survey also suggested that people are focusing more on enjoying themselves rather than helping good causes, with just 25 per cent saying they would help a good cause if they had more money, compared to 39 per cent in 1989.
Psychologist Dr Maureen Gaffney, commented on the report saying "here we have a snapshot of Irish society - hardworking, confident, optimistic about the future...but there are tensions. Relationships are the centre of our happiness and there is evidence of growing selfishness and materialism."