Every 8-10 weeks, together with the market research institute K&A BrandResearch AG from R\u00f6thenbach b. Nuremberg, we conduct representative studies in the German horizoom panel on socially relevant topics in order to use intelligent questioning techniques to investigate so-called say-do gaps, i.e. differences between self-statements and actual everyday behavior.<\/p>\n
The most recent study focused on the topic of courage and optimism about the future.<\/p>\n
The majority of Germans (87%) suffer from fears, on average Germans have experience of 3 fears such as fear of heights (31%), fear of disgusting or potentially poisonous animals (28%) and death (27%), closely followed by fear of crowds (26%). In addition, many Germans suffer from complaints such as spinning thoughts and sleep disorders, especially GenZ (49%).<\/p>\n
According to the survey, people with such fears and complaints are significantly more pessimistic about their personal and national future than people without such complaints, are also considerably more anxious and worried and also rate themselves as less courageous and self-effective with regard to the future (-9%). These pessimists draw less confidence and courage from movements for social justice and equality (38% vs. 58% for optimists), science and research for progress (34% vs. 60% for optimists) and innovations and start-ups (24% vs. 42% for optimists), but draw more courage and confidence from parties such as the AfD (34% vs. 6% for optimists) and lateral thinkers (29% vs. 8% for optimists).<\/p>\n
The results of the study show that Germans tend to be anxious and worried people, but that there is a connection between courage, optimism about the future and a can-do mentality. The discouraged and pessimistic, on the other hand, lack belief in their own self-efficacy in shaping the future, they long more for leadership and, in some cases, anti-democratic authorities who promise (hope for) a better future through their appearance.<\/p>\n
So it is not so much the fears and worries, but the courage and optimism with which the future is shaped.<\/p>\n