Goudy & Goudeau (1981): study US 1975

Publication

Author(s):

Goudy, W.J.; Goudeau, J.F.

Title:

Social Ties and Life Satisfaction of Older Persons: Another Evaluation.

Source:

Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 1981, Vol. 4, 35 - 50

Investigation

Public

50+ aged, general public, North-Central Iowa, USA, 1975

Sample

Respondents

N = 2321

Non Response

11.3%

Assessment

Questionnaire: Paper & Pencil Interview (PAPI)
Mailed questionnaire

Happiness Measure(s) and Distributional Findings

Full text:

Self report on single question:

Taking everything into consideration, how satisfied are you with life in  general at the present time? Would you say you are.....?
5   extremely satisfied
4   very satisfied
3   fairly satisfied
2   slightly satisfied
1   not satisfied

Classification:

O-SLW-c-sq-v-5-d

Author's label:

Life satisfaction

Correlational Findings

Author's label Subject Description Finding Age Age difference among elderly Income Current income level (unspecified) Education Level of school-education Marital status Married state (compared to non-married states) Relatives in community Contacts with relatives
Social contacts in vicinity Friends in community Friends in community
Social contacts in vicinity Local people known Social contacts in vicinity Organizational membership Membership of voluntary organizations Community attachement Attitude to vicinity Quality of life Summed life aspect evaluations (semantic differential scales) Social ties Current total social participation Demographic characteristics Summed socio-demographic factors only