Cabin Fever
- Arguments between couples peak in January at eight minutes per day -
Embargoed until 19th January 2012: New research out today reveals that almost two thirds of Brits (65 per cent) have split up with a partner in January as a result of ‘cabin fever’.
The study of 1,003 Brits by Sheilas’ Wheels home insurance(1) reveals that bad weather, lack of daylight and stretched finances result in Brits spending 14 hours and 48 minutes per day at home and having 20 arguments with their other halves during the month of January. This compares to just ten hours and five minutes of their day at home during the summer months where couples have 16 arguments.
Those that stick it out will spend over four hours arguing throughout the month of January. Seeking to avoid this fate, seven per cent of Brits surveyed even confessed that they had ended a relationship as part of a new year’s resolution.
Over two thirds of Brits (70 per cent) blamed the weather for wanting to spend more time indoors during January, while 65 per cent said it was the lack of daylight and a third (31 per cent) said it was due to low finances following Christmas.
As a result, 46 per cent of those questioned cut down on the number of friends they see in January, while a third (33 per cent) also said that they neglect their family during this month. 38 per cent of Brits said they suffer from the January blues with Brits under 25 being the worst affected (48 per cent). Almost half of Brits (46 per cent) said they find January to be the most depressing month of the year.
With just over half of Brits surveyed (51 per cent) revealing that they start and finish work in the dark, 59 per cent said they found January the most difficult month to get out of bed with one in five (18 per cent) confessed to pulling a ‘sickie’ this month as a result.
Jacky Brown at Sheilas’ Wheels home insurance said: “The miserable weather, dark nights and lack of cash means we’re spending more time at home during January and this can put a strain on our relationships.
“Getting regular exercise, arranging to see friends and family and taking up a new hobby can all help to keep spirits high during January. This can also be a great time of year to make sure you have your house in order and make sure you have adequate home insurance – so as not to be left underinsured for purchases made during the festive season.”
Behavioural Psychologist Donna Dawson said: “Cabin Fever is a real phenomenon that takes place during the dark winter months, particularly January.
“The lack of sunlight can make us feel lethargic and depressed, and the lack of exercise and the fact that we are cooped up in a stuffy, centrally-heated house can make us feel edgy, irritable and stressed. Add boredom to the mix, alongside any financial issues and too much empty time with our partners, and you have the perfect recipe for arguments and consequent break-ups.”
Regional Breakdown
Londoners spend the most amount of time arguing with their partners in January. They have 24 arguments during this month, which averages as 13 minutes each day. In contrast, those polled in the North East spend just two minutes arguing each day.
Londoners were the most likely to suffer from ‘cabin fever’ in January (48 per cent) and the most likely to start and finish their working day in the dark in January (56 per cent), compared to Scotland where despite the days being shorter 41 per cent suffer from the ‘cabin fever’ in January and 53 per cent start and finish work in the dark.
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Sheilas’ Wheels press contacts:
For further information please contact the Sheilas’ Wheels press office at Mischief PR on 020 3128 6520 or email sheilaswheels@mischiefpr.com
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Notes to Editors:
(1) Sheilas’ Wheels used the independent online research company FlyResearch who surveyed 1,003 Brits aged 18 and over, between 13 and 15 January 2012. FlyResearch is an online market research company. Its researches are members of the MRS, PRCA, BPC and Esomar, and abide by their guidelines. Further information is available at www.FlyResearch.com
