What Makes People Happy?

Bruno Frey

Chapter Chapter 3 in Economics of Happiness, 2018, pp 13-20 from Springer

Abstract: Abstract Happiness research determines, isolates, and measures the various determinants of human well-being. The data collected on the subjective life satisfaction of individuals are related to possible determinants of happiness by multiple regressions. The personality structure determined by one’s genetic inheritance has a strong influence on happiness. Among economic factors, people with higher incomes unambiguously consider themselves to be more satisfied with their lives than do people with low income, and people losing their job are much more dissatisfied with their lives than are those holding a job. Prominent among the socio-demographic influences is a U-shaped relationship between age and life satisfaction; married people are happier than those living alone; and intensive and regular social contacts within the family and among friends and acquaintances contribute strongly to happiness. Physical and psychological health contribute strongly to well-being. Cultural differences matter, and religious persons are demonstrably happier than those who do not belong to a religious community. Happiness is positively influenced by democracy and political decentralization.

Keywords: Happiness determinants; Multiple regressions; Genetic endowment; Economic factors; Income; Unemployment; Socio-demographic influences; Culture; Religion; Political conditions (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2018
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DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-75807-7_3

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