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Studies

Diener et al. (2010a): study ZZ 2005

Publication

Author(s):
Diener, E.; Harter, J.K.; Ng, W.
Title:
Wealth and Happiness across the World: Material Prosperity predicts Life Evaluation, Whereas Psychosocial Prosperity predicts Positive Feeling.
Source:
Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 2010, Vol. 99, 52 - 61

Investigation

Public
15+ aged, general public, 132 nations, 2005-2006
Sample
Probability multi-stage random
Respondents
N = 136839
Non Response
Assessment
Interview: face-to-face
And telephone interview.

Happiness Measure(s) and Distributional Findings

Full text:
Self report on single question:

Here is ladder representing the 'ladder of life'. Let's suppose the top of the ladder represents the best possible life for you; and the bottom, the worst possible life for you. On which step of the ladder do you feel you personally stand at the present time?
10 best possible
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0 worst possible life

This question was followed (not preceded) by items on life 5 years ago and 5 years from now.
Classification:
C-BW-c-sq-l-11-c
Author's label:
Self-anchoring striving scale
Page in publication:
54

Correlational Findings

Author's label Subject Description Finding Personal income Household income Relative income Relative to income of compatriots Nationalwealth Purchasing power (`real' GDP pc) Basic needs unmet Sufficiency of current income Luxury conveniences Specific possessions Satisfaction with standard of living Satisfaction with standard of living Work hours Size of current job Negative feelings Yesterday's mood Positive feelings Yesterday's mood