Study Wessman & Ricks (1966): study US 1957 /1

Public

Male college students, followed 3 years, Harvard University, USA, 1957-60

Sample

Respondents

N = 17

Non Response

37%: 9 dropouts, incomplete; about the same happiness distribution.

Assessment

Multiple assesment methods
Mood diary kept 30 days and repeated interviews and tests during three years.

Correlate

Authors's Label

Impulse expression vs self-restraint

Our Classification

Operationalization

Repeated closed question on 'how expes- sive and impulsive or internally res- traind and controlled you felt', rated on a 10-point scale:

10. Wild and complete abandon. No im-
    pulse denied.
9. Exhilarating sense of release. Say     whatever I feel, and do just as I
    want.
8. Quick to act on every immediiate
    desire.
7. Allowing my impulses and desires a
    pretty free rein.
6. Moderate acceptance and expression
    of my own needs and desires.
5. Keep a check on most whims and im-
    pulses.
4. On the straight and narrow path.
    Keeping myself within strong bounds
3. Obeying rigorous standards. Strict
    with myself.
2. Refuse to permit the slightest     self-indulgence or impulsive action
1. Complete renunciation of all desi-
    res. Needs and impulses totally
    conquered.

Scale scored each night for highest, lowest and average experience of the day.
(Wessman & Ricks Impulse Expression vs Self-Restraint Scale).

Observed Relation with Happiness