Psychological distress

Definition: The proportion of adults with very high levels of psychological distress as measured using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale – 10 items (K10). The K10 is a scale of non-specific psychological distress based on 10 questions about negative emotional states in the 4 weeks before being interviewed.

Source: ABS 2015d; Table S1.4.8.

  • In 2014–15, 3.7% of adults had a very high level of psychological distress (ABS 2015d).
  • Women were more likely than men to have a very high level of psychological distress—4.3% for women compared with 3.1% for men.
  • The rate of very high psychological distress for women aged 55–64 was 5.8%.
  • People aged 75 and over had the lowest rate of very high psychological distress (1.7%).
  • Rates of very high psychological distress remained similar over time, with 3.5% of people in 2007–08 and 3.4% of people in 2011–12 reporting a very high level of psychological distress (ABS 2009b, 2012a).

For more information, see Chapter 3.12 'Mental health'.

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