YEREVAN.- Although the number of poor has doubled in Armenia since 2008, only 50% of those in this group consider themselves poor, said Armenian sociologist Aharon Adibekyan.

“It is a way of psychological protection. People do not want to admit they are poor psychologically. Thus, no “rebellious social groups” are formed,” he said.

Sociologist also stressed that the number of optimists in Armenia prevails.

“Forty percent of respondents are optimists, while only 2% - pessimists. The group of optimists includes women, young people, students, unmarried and people with higher education,” he added.