Attitudes Towards Health - Stress - UK -
Issues in the Market
The
UK is in the grip of a recession. House prices have fallen and unemployment has
risen and this has contributed to the consumer mood of anxiety and uncertainty.
People who have held onto their jobs may fear for their job security,
particularly if their colleagues have been made redundant. Money worries, and
the pressure that it puts on relationships, along with the security of the home
and future plans have all contributed to rising levels of stress.
Although
money is most likely to be the biggest cause of stress, people still indulge
themselves in small treats to make themselves feel better (even if it means
forfeiting bigger treats). Products that improve self-esteem by boosting
appearance or offering instant indulgence and relaxation are all set to benefit
from the current tendency towards stress.
This
report explores today’s stressed-out consumer. It investigates the biggest
triggers of stress and identifies ways to respond to this through new product
development, marketing campaigns or corporate initiatives.
Key themes
●
Money is the key cause of stress, which
might deter people from splashing out on products or services to buy temporary
escape from tensions or worries.
●
The importance of products that offer
escapism from worries, particularly given today’s busy lifestyles.
●
The British ‘stiff upper lip’ attitude
prevails and seeking help from a medical professional is a last-resort option.
●
Changing consumer habits and rituals in
order to accommodate small indulgences and treats.
●
Men and women respond to stress in
different ways and this will impact on the products and services they use to
feel better.
Definition
This
report examines what makes people worried or tense and explores the ways in
which people seek escapism from their worries. This varies from person to
person, depending on age, gender, financial circumstances as well as the
underlying cause of stress. Although there is a plethora of stress relief
products available on the market, ranging from aromatherapy bubble baths to
herbal teas, there is no defined market category for stress relief products and
as a result, Mintel does not seek to estimate a market value.
However,
using the market re-forecasts (run in March 2009 in response to the recession),
Mintel is able to identify product categories that may benefit from their role
in pampering, nurturing or de-stressing.
Crown
copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO
and the Queen’s Printer for Scotland.
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