Research Background

The 2011 Relationships Indicators Survey is a joint initiative of Relationships Australia and CUA based on data collected, analysed and reported by Woolcott Research, Ltd.

The Indicators Survey provides an opportunity to increase Australians’ understanding of relationships in Australia—intimate relationships, family relationships and connection with community.

This year’s survey used a quantitative methodology to gather results, comprising of 1,204 interviews among the general Australian population aged 18 and above. Fieldwork for the survey was conducted between 27 February and 8 March 2011, combining telephone interviews and a new online component.

The objective of the research was to provide a statistically sound representative sample of feelings, attitudes and opinions about relationships within the Australian population. The 2011 research focused on the following areas: connection with significant people in the lives of Australians; partnering and marriage; sexual relationships; finances and its impact on partner relationships; social networking and relationships; community involvement; loneliness; and accessing help.

Key National Survey Results:

• 42 percent Australians who use an average of four methods of technology feel lonely, compared to 11 percent of those who use one form of technology.
• 67 percent of respondents who said they frequently feel lonely regularly use SMS as a method of communicating with friends, family and/or a potential partner.
• 64 percent of those who said they frequently feel lonely regularly use Email as a method of communicating with friends, family and/or a potential partner.
• Those aged 25 to 34 were most likely to frequently feel lonely (27 percent), with those aged 35 to 39 least likely (6 percent). Interestingly, SMS (76 percent) and Email (72 percent) are the top two forms of technology used by those aged 25 to 34.
  

• Financial stress (26 percent), communication difficulties (25 percent), different expectations/values (23 percent) and lack of trust (22 percent) were identified as the four main reasons for relationship breakdowns.

• 77 percent of respondents cited that they have not sought professional help for relationship issues.
• 35 percent of respondents cited talking to friends as the most common way for people to get through low points in relationships, with women more likely to talk to friends (43 percent) than men (28 percent).
• 45 percent of Australians 18 to 24 said friends have helped them through low points in relationships, compared to 10 percent who said their spouse or partner.
• 39 percent of Australians 25 to 34 said friends have helped them through low points in their relationships, with only 21 percent citing their spouse or partner.
• 86 percent of Australians 18 to 24 said they have not sought help for relationship issues, followed by those aged 25 to 34 (82 percent).

South Australia State-Based Results:

• 22 percent of respondents frequently feel lonely
• 48 percent of respondents infrequently feel lonely
• Primary methods of technology: email (64 percent), SMS (66 percent) and social media (33 percent)
• 20 percent of respondents cited communication issues as a reason why partnerships breakdown, followed by lack of trust (18 percent) and financial stress/different expectations and values/infidelity (all 17 percent)
• Impact on relationships included: work/life balance issues (47 percent), stress (46 percent), lack of time to spend together (45 percent) and different perspectives/values (43 percent)
• Impact of social networking technology on relationships: positive (27 percent), negative (14 percent) and No impact (59 percent)
• Sought professional help for relationship issues: yes (19 percent) and no (81 percent)

To view the 2011 Relationships Indicators Survey Click here