Convergence and Divergence in the Determinants of Happiness: A Dual-STATIS Analysis of Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru (2006–2022)

Enrique Ferruzola-Gomez (), Luis Brito-Gaona, Jorge Guido Sotomayor-Pereira, Marco Faytong-Haro () and Patricio Alvarez-Muñoz
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Enrique Ferruzola-Gomez: Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad Agraria del Ecuador, Guayaquil 090102, Guayas, Ecuador
Luis Brito-Gaona: Facultad de Ciencias Empresariales, Universidad Técnica de Machala, Machala 070210, El Oro, Ecuador
Jorge Guido Sotomayor-Pereira: Facultad de Ciencias Empresariales, Universidad Técnica de Machala, Machala 070210, El Oro, Ecuador
Marco Faytong-Haro: Facultad de Investigación, Universidad Estatal de Milagro, Milagro 091050, Guayas, Ecuador
Patricio Alvarez-Muñoz: Universidad Agraria del Ecuador, Guayaquil 090102, Guayas, Ecuador

Societies, 2025, vol. 15, issue 8, 1-19

Abstract: This study examined the temporal evolution of happiness determinants in the Andean region using the dual-STATIS method, a multivariate technique that captures structural patterns over time. By analyzing data from the World Happiness Report for Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru from 2006 to 2022, this study identified key trends in subjective well-being. The findings revealed a three-phase evolution in covariation structures, highlighting significant correlations between well-being and factors such as gross domestic product per capita (r = 0.536, p < 0.05) and social support (r = 0.597, p < 0.05). Healthy life expectancy showed strong temporal stability (r = 0.912, p < 0.05), while perceptions of corruption influenced both positive (r = −0.402, p < 0.05) and negative (r = 0.407, p < 0.05) emotions. The analysis identifies country-specific patterns, with Peru exhibiting the highest weight in the common structure (0.85), followed by Ecuador (0.75), and Colombia (0.70). The dual-STATIS methodology, validated through bootstrapping and cross-validation, confirmed the robustness of these relationships. These findings suggest that while certain determinants of happiness converge across the three countries, national-specific factors continue to shape trends in well-being. This study underscores the need for tailored public policies that account for both regional integration and country-specific social, economic, and institutional conditions.

Keywords: subjective well-being; Andean Community; dual-STATIS; regional development; happiness (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: A13 A14 P P0 P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 Z1 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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