People in Malta are reporting higher levels of satisfaction, but the latest Wellbeing INDEX Project data shows growing feelings of anxiety, time pressure and neighbourhood-related stress.
Launched five years ago by the Malta Foundation for the Wellbeing of Society in collaboration with the University of Malta, the Wellbeing INDEX project acts as a key source of data on quality of life in Malta. Its findings are based on surveys of around 10,000 individuals each year, conducted by the National Statistics Office across a range of indicators. The latest results were presented during a press briefing marking the International Day of Happiness.
Malta's wellbeing is improving overall, having risen in international rankings. It climbed up 5 places to 43rd in the World Happiness Report, and up 3 places to 12th in the EU on life satisfaction. Moreover, the average income increased to €20,430, which is 94.39% of the EU average.
Strong social relationships remain Malta's biggest strength, with the highest-rated domain being personal relationships. 85% of people who meet regularly with family and friends report higher wellbeing.
On the other hand, emotional wellbeing is worsening. More people feel nervous, lonely and depressed, and fewer feel calm and happy. On average, women report worse emotional outcomes than men.
Life satisfaction improved across finances, jobs, relationships, and time use, but emotional wellbeing declined across all indicators.
Time poverty is a major and growing issue, having received the lowest satisfaction score. Those affected the most are single parents and families with children. This issue is now affecting higher-income and educated groups as well.
Moreover, environmental and neighbourhood stress is rising. 34.5% of the population is exposed to excessive noise, and 37.8% is exposed to pollution. Moreover, the number of people who experienced damp walls and leaky roofs in their home increased by 24%, while crime concerns increased by 35.96%.
"Time poverty, environmental quality, and emotional wellbeing constrain our otherwise very good quality of life," said the project's principal investigator Marie Briguglio.
Vulnerable groups are unfortunately still struggling. While "absolute misery" fell sharply, hardship is now more concentrated. Those most affected are people in poor health, the materially deprived, the socially excluded, and the time-poor. "Malta is making progress, but progress must also be felt by those who are struggling the most," said Briguglio.
Social media is also flagged as a serious concern. According to the project, Malta has seen a record problematic social media use among young people. This has been linked to irritability, nervousness, sleep issues, and lower life satisfaction.
"Wellbeing should be placed at the heart of governance, policy, and everyday life", the founder of the Malta Foundation for the Wellbeing of Society, President Emeritus Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, said.