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Studies

Bell (1974): study US 1973

Publication

Author(s):
Bell, B.D.
Title:
Cognitive Dissonance and the Life Satisfaction of Older Adults.
Source:
Journal of Gerontology, 1974, Vol. 29, 564 - 571

Investigation

Public
Males, shortly before and after retirement, USA 1973-74
Sample
Non-probability purposive-quota sample
Respondents
N = 114
Non Response
21%
Assessment
Interview: face-to-face

Happiness Measure(s) and Distributional Findings

Full text:
Self report on single question:

'On the whole, how satisfied would you say you are with your way of life today?'
1  not satisfied at all
2
3
4
5  very satisfied
(labels of response-options 2, 3 and 4 not reported)
Classification:
O-SLL-c-sq-v-5-e
Author's label:
life satisfaction

Correlational Findings

Author's label Subject Description Finding Disconfirmation of retirement expectations in family area Attitudes to retirement
Actual realization of lifegoals
Fit between actual and desired time-use
Disconfirmation of retirement expectations: associations Earlier attitudes to retirement
Actual realization of lifegoals
Fit between actual and desired time-use
Disconfirmation of retirement expectations in community area Earlier attitudes to retirement
Actual realization of lifegoals
Fit between actual and desired time-use
No concern about health Denial of illness Perceived usefulness Perceived usefulness of one's life