Characteristics

Code:

O-SLW-*-ds-nt-11-a

Focus:

Overall: Satisfaction w Life as a Whole (O-SLW)

Time frame:

various time frames (*)

Mode:

derived scores (ds)

Scale Type:

numeric scales transformed to same range (nt)

Scale Range:

11

Description

Estimation of average life-satisfaction in a nation using best fitting combination of average score in that nation on questions on affect and contentment in the same period.

CONTENTMENT. Measured using 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 life
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0 worst possible life
Measure code C-BW-c-sq-l-11-c

AFFECT BALANCE. Self-report on 3 items on negative affect and 2 or 3 items* on positive affect.
Did you experience the following feelings during A LOT OF THE DAY yesterday?
A1. enjoyment?
A2. happiness? (* this item only from 2008 until 2012)
B1. worry?
B2. sadness?
B3. anger?
Now please think about YESTERDAY, from the morning until the end of the day. Think of where you were, what you were doing and how you felt.
A3.   Did you smile or laugh a lot yesterday?
Rated:
1  yes
0 no
Affect Balance = percentage "yes" in A minus percentage "yes" in B.
Transformation to 0-10 scale: Affect balance*0,05+5.
Measure code: A-AB-yd-mq-v-2-fb/tb

COMPUTATION:
Estimated Life Satisfaction = 0.8932 + country specific intercept + year specific intercept + 0.751 * contentment + 0.1635 * affect balance.

For methodology and  country specific and year specific intercepts see EHERO working paper 2021-3 at https://www.eur.nl/en/ehero/media/2021-03