A cup of tea can significantly calm Britons in a crisis, according to a new university study.

Commissioned by Direct Line to explore Brits' responses to crises, the study, by psychologistDr Malcolm Cross at City University London, confirms what millions of tea-lovers have long believed - that if you are upset or anxious, it pays to put the kettle on.

The study is supported bynew research, which shows that 68 per cent of us turn to tea in a dilemma, leading experts to coin the phrase "tea-mergency" to describe the types of every day crisis that a calming cuppa can help to solve.

The insurer is now calling on those who are having a bad day - or are in the middle of a "tea-mergency" - to use Twitter to tell them all about it. The best anecdotes will receive a free box ofTea-mergency Tea, which has been specially blended by Direct Line to help solve an everyday crisis. Direct Line is also monitoring all mentions of tea on Twitter, plotting the nation's obsession with the drink on an interactive map on a new microsite.

Master tea taster and blender Alex Probyn has created thisTea-mergency blend especially for Direct Line. A combination of North Indian Assam (warm, malty, rich and soothing), Sri Lankan Uva (light, refreshing and uplifting) and Kenyan (bright, strong and rejuvenating), the tea has been created especially is for times of need.


Matt Owen, spokesperson for Direct Line comments: "We wanted to explore the phenomenon of tea-drinking as a solution to a problem, looking at the reasons why this habit seems to be so deeply stitched into the fabric of British culture.

"Putting the kettle on to help solve a problem is something that pervades soap operas, films and literature alike. Whether that's Hugh Grant in Notting Hill repeatedly offering tea to a frazzled Julia Roberts or the trip to the local cafe by Sir Alan's would-be Apprentices before facing a boardroom grilling."

Direct Line is scouring social networking site Twitter until the end of August, looking for people across the nation who are having atea-mergency. Those who are deemed most in need of a calming cuppa will be sent a box of tea in the post on the same day, with selected Twitterers also being rewarded with afternoon tea at the Ritz hotel in London.

Those who are in need of a calming cuppa are being asked to tweet about it, marking messages with the #teamergency hash-tag to ensure that they are spotted.   Whilst Facebook group 'A Cup of Tea Solves Everything' has the fanatical support of 221,946 members, 'tea-mergencies' are generally considered to be more moderate and everyday occurrences. According to new research by Direct Line, the kinds of daily dilemmas a cup of tea can solve includes:

1. A stressful day at work (63 per cent)

2. Office politics (56 per cent)

3. An argument with a friend (27 per cent)

4. Missing a train or a crucial deadline (22 per cent)

5. A broken heart (21 per cent)

For more information and to win free tea, please visitwww.teamergency.com orTwitter.com/teamergency on Twitter.

Notes to editors

About the research The experiment took place on 30th June 2009. Forty-two people participated, and four groups were subjected to the same stress-inducing test, measuring them for anxiety before and afterwards. Shortly after the test, in which the group were asked to complete a timed mental arithmetic exam, half were given a glass of water (Non-Tea Group) and the remaining half, a cup of English Breakfast tea (Tea Group). While the task caused the Non-Tea Group's anxiety levels to rocket by 25 per cent, the Tea Group reported a four per cent reduction in anxiety. The results meant that tea had not only mediated anxiety naturally heightened by the stressful task - it had actually made the group more relaxed than they were originally.

The study also showed that the act of tea-making created 'communality' and 'solidarity' among participants, who felt 'looked after' and 'cared for' by having tea made for them. Moreover, whilst the Non-Tea Groups took their water-only refreshment in silence, the tea appeared to spark conversation - helping to build rapport amongst the wider group.

The full report is available upon request.

Omnibus research of 3050 tea-drinkers conducted by OnePoll during July 2009.

Direct Line

Started in 1985, Direct Line became the first UK insurance company to use the telephone as its main channel of communication. It provides motor, home, travel and pet insurance cover direct to customers by phone or on-line.


Direct Line is part of RBS Insurance, the second largest general insurer in the UK and is wholly owned by the Royal Bank of Scotland Group. Customers can find out more about Direct Line products or get a quote by calling 0845 246 3761 (motor) or 0845 246 3564 (home) or visitingwww.directline.com

Direct Line Insurance plc is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Registered office: 3 Edridge Road, Croydon, Surrey CR9 1AG. Registered in England and Wales no. 01810801. The Financial Services Authority's Register can be accessed throughhttp://www.fsa.gov.uk/

City University London

City University London is a principal provider of undergraduate, postgraduate, professional and vocational education in the United Kingdom. The University is committed to leading London in education, research and knowledge transfer for businesses and the professions and is renowned for its international focus and the employability of its graduates.

The University teaches across a range of subjects in: arts, including journalism and music; informatics; social sciences; engineering and mathematical sciences; business; law; health and community sciences.

The University attracts over 23,000 students from 156 countries, while teaching staff are drawn from nearly 50 international locations, ensuring that the University has a truly international outlook.

City University London was founded in 1894 as the Northampton Institute and was awarded full university status in 1966. Please see the following link for more informationwww.city.ac.uk