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Happiness Measures

Characteristics

Code:
C-BW-c-sq-l-10-ca
Focus:
Contentment: Best-Worst possible life (C-BW)
Time frame:
currently (today, these days, presently) (c)
Mode:
1 question (sq)
Scale Type:
ladder scale (l)
Scale Range:
10

Description

Self report on single question:

Here is a picture of a ladder. Suppose we say that the top of the ladder (9) represents the best possible life for you and the bottom (0) represents the worst possible life for you.  Where on the ladder do you feel personally stand at the present time?
[   9  ]  best possible life for you
[   8  ]
[   7  ]
[   6  ]
[   5  ]
[   4  ]
[   3  ]
[   2  ]
[   1  ]
[   0  ]  worst possible life for you

Name: Cantril's self anchoring ladder rating of life (adapted version)

List of Studies Using this Measure

Study Population N Mean
Standard Deviation
Palmore et al. (1979): study US Durham, North Carolina 1968 45-70 aged Durham, USA, followed 6 years 1968-1976 N = 375
Mean
= 7.000
SD
= 1.400
Palmore (1981): study US 1968 46+ aged whites, North Carolina, USA, followed from 1968 to 1976. N = 375
Mean
= 7.000
SD
= 1.400
Palmore & Kivett (1977): study US 1968 46+ aged whites, followed 2 years, USA, 1968-1972/74 N = 378
Mean
= 7.100
SD
= 1.400
Palmore & Luikart (1972): study US 1968 46+ aged, whites, North Carolina, USA, 1968-70 N = 502
Mean
= 7.000
SD
= 1.500
Palmore (1969): study US NorthCarolina 1955 60-94 aged, North Carolina, USA 1955-59 N = 265
Kivett (2000): study US 1976 Very old, rural area USA, followed 20 years, 1976-1997 N = 49
Mean
= 6.900