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Studies

Costa et al. (1987a): study US 1971 /1

Publication

Author(s):
Costa, P.T.; McCrae, R.R.; Zonderman, A.B.
Title:
Longitudinal Analyses of Psychological Well-Being in a National Sample: Stability of Mean Levels.
Source:
Journal of Gerontology, 1987, Vol. 42, 50 - 55

Investigation

Public
25-74 aged, USA, samples in 1971-75 and 1981-84
Sample
Probability stratified sample
Respondents
N = 11899
Non Response
Assessment
Questionnaire: Paper & Pencil Interview (PAPI)
A booklet completed by participants with help from interviewers if required.

Happiness Measure(s) and Distributional Findings

Full text:
Self report on 8 questions

A Have you been under or felt you were under any strain, stress or pressure during the past month?
B  Have you been anxious, worried, or upset during the past month?
C  Have you been feeling emotionally stable and sure of yourself, during the past month?
D  How relaxed or tense have you been during the past month?
E  How depressed or cheerful have you been, during the past month?
F  How have you been feeling in general during the past month?
G  How happy, satisfied or pleased have you been with your personal life, during the past month?
H   How much energy, pep, vitality have you felt, during the past month?

Rating: 0-5 scale with verbally labeled response options

Computation: (C+F+G+H) - (A+B+D+E)

Name: Shortened General Wellbeing Schedule (GWB)
Classification:
A-BB-cm-mq-v-6-a
Author's label:
General well-being schedule
Page in publication:
50-521

Correlational Findings

Author's label Subject Description Finding Period (time sequentional analysis) Time trend of happiness in males and females
Time trend of happiness in age categories
Trend average happiness in age groups
Trend average happiness in males /females
Trend average happiness in Unites States of America