Experiences of strain and pleasure among British adults.

Random samples of 1964 men and 1113 women were drawn from the British adult population in order to ascertain the prevalence of unpleasant emotional strain and feelings of pleasure yesterday. Reports of the duration and onset of strain yesterday were also obtained, together with respondents' attributions of causes and stated coping responses. Thirteen percent of men and 18% of women reported experiencing unpleasant emotional strain for at least half of yesterday; corresponding figures for feelings of pleasure for at least half of yesterday were 69 and 68%. Relationships with employment status, age sex, and socio-economic status are described.