(ANSAmed) – ISTANBUL, AUGUST 23 – More than one in three Turks considers themselves “suffering,” while major factors affecting their happiness levels are likely to be economic rather than political, daily Hurriyet reported citing the results of a recent poll. Gallup conducted research amid the recent anti-government protests staged in the country this year, revealing that 35% of Turks describe themselves as “suffering” and are not satisfied with their lives. Gallup classifies respondents as “thriving,” “struggling,” or “suffering,” according to how they rate their current and future lives on a ladder scale with steps numbered from 0 to 10 based on a scale.

The same survey conducted last year showed only 18% of Turks as “suffering.” Despite the heated political environment in the country at the time of the protests, the research suggested political factors such as the growing frustration over Prime Minister Erdogan’s policies were less likely to be contributing to the rise in suffering than economic factors. The analysts reached this conclusion based on the fact that “suffering” levels among both supporters and opponents of the prime minister had risen considerably. “Among Turks who are confident in the national government, suffering increased to 30% from 12%, while suffering increased to 41% from 25% among government critics,” Gallup said. According to survey results, increasing numbers of Turks, living in large cities as well as small towns and rural areas, are struggling to finance themselves and their households. (ANSAmed).