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Studies

Martinson et al. (1984): study US Wisconsin 1974

Publication

Author(s):
Martinson, O.B.; McGranahan, D.H.; Wilkening, E.A.
Title:
Predicting overall Life Satisfaction: The Role of Life Cycle and Social Psychological Antecedents.
Source:
Social Indicators Research, 1984, Vol. 14, 99 - 108

Investigation

Public
18+aged, general public, N.W. Wisconsin, USA, 1974
Sample
Respondents
N = 1423
Non Response
12%
Assessment
Interview: face-to-face
Structured interview

Happiness Measure(s) and Distributional Findings

Full text:
Self report on single question, asked twice in interview:

Considering everything, how satisfied are you with your life as a whole........?
7   completely satisfied
6
5
4
3
2
1   completely dissatisfied

Summation: both scores added
Possible range: 2 to 14
Classification:
O-SLW-u-sqt-v-7-a
Author's label:
Life satisfaction

Correlational Findings

Author's label Subject Description Finding Powerlessness Perceived political control Community solidarity Social cohesion in vicinity
Current personal contacts
Health limitations Degree of restriction Days too sick to work Days ill Recent move to ruralarea Recently moved separated/divorced Divorced or separated Unemployed Current employment status Contact with relatives Contacts with relatives Contact with friends Current contacts with friends Church attendance Participation in church Organizational membership Membership of voluntary organizations Level of education Level of school-education Family income Household income Joint effect Summed socio-demographic + health + personality + social ties