Majority of Austrians pessimistic about 2016: survey

The majority of Austrians are looking at 2016 with a sense of pessimism not seen since 1982, a survey from Linz-based research institute IMAS revealed Tuesday.

Fifty-nine percent of the 1,015 surveyed Austrians, who aged 16 or above, have some concerns or scepticism over 2016, compared to only 31 percent who have confidence in a positive new year, the latter marking a continued downward trend since 2009.

Women, persons aged 60 and above, as well as lower social classes in particular had a negative view, while men, young people, and those with higher education levels showed more positive attitude.

Primary concerns include the current refugee crisis, mentioned by 46 percent of respondents, along with fear of terrorism (27 percent), the poor economic climate (21 percent), as well as unhappiness with their jobs(19 percent).

Only the 1982 result of the new year's survey, that has been conducted for the past 44 years, ranked worse with 64 percent of respondents holding a negative view of the coming year.

One in three respondents also stated they had a new year's resolution, with 39 percent saying they planned to take part in more sport activity, while other popular resolutions included more conscious lifestyle choices (33 percent), a healthier diet (31 percent), and weight loss (26 percent). Enditem