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Studies

Medley (1976): study US 1971

Publication

Author(s):
Medley, M.L.
Title:
Satisfaction with Life among Persons 65 Years and Older: A Causal Model.
Source:
Journal of Gerontology, 1976, Vol. 31, 448 - 455

Investigation

Public
65+ aged, USA, 1971
Sample
Respondents
N = 301
Non Response
-
Assessment
Interview: face-to-face
Structured interview

Happiness Measure(s) and Distributional Findings

Full text:
Self report on 9 questions:

A.  "How satisfied are you with your life as a whole these days?"
     (Answer options  not reported)

B.  Eight questions about how Ss feel  about present life in terms
      of :
- interesting  -------------------      boring
- enjoyable   -------------------      miserable
- worthwhile --------------------     useless
- friendly --------------------------     lonely
- full ---------------------------------    empty
- hopeful -------------------------    discouraging
- rewarding ----------------------    disappointing
- brings out the best in me--    does not give me a chance

Response options 1 - 7 numerical scales

Summation: Equal weights for A and B. Precise summation: not reported.
Classification:
O-Sum-c-mq-*-*-c
Author's label:
Satisfaction with life as a whole
Remarks:
Males M= 122  SD = 24.03   Ms'= 8.1    Females M= 116.67  SD= 25.31  Ms'= 7.7

Correlational Findings

Author's label Subject Description Finding Family income