Headey (1981): study AU 1978

Publication

Author(s):

Headey, B.

Title:

The Quality of Life in Australia.

Source:

Social Indicators Research, 1981, Vol. 9, 155 - 181

Investigation

Public

Adults, general public, Australia, 1978

Sample

Probability sample (unspecified)

Respondents

N = 679

Non Response

not reported

Assessment

Questionnaire: Paper & Pencil Interview (PAPI)

Happiness Measure(s) and Distributional Findings

Full text:

Self report on single question asked twice

'How do you feel about your life as a whole?'
1  terrible
2  very unhappy
3  unhappy
4  mostly dissatisfied
5  mixed feelings
6  mostly satisfied
7  pleased
8  very pleased
9  delighted

Classification:

O-DT-u-sqt-v-9-a

Author's label:

Life-as-a-whole index

Remarks:

Same questions asked at the beginning and after 15 minutes interview time, results averaged. Respondents in general scored higher the second time. 86.3% answered at the same or adjacent point on the scale

Page in publication:

159

Observed distribution

Summary Statistics

On original range 1 - 9 On range 0-10

Mean:

7.00 -

SD:

1.20 -

Full text:

Self report on 10 questions:

During the past few weeks, did you ever feel ....?  (yes/no)
A   Particularly excited or interested in something?
B   So restless that you couldn't sit long in a chair?
C   Proud because someone complimented you on something  
     you had done?
D   Very lonely or remote from other people?
E   Pleased about having accomplished something?
F   Bored?
G   On top of the world?
H   Depressed or very unhappy?
I    That things were going your way?
J    Upset because someone criticized you?

Answer options and scoring:
yes = 1
no  = 0
Summation:
-Positive Affect Score (PAS): A+C+E+G+I
-Negative Affect Score (NAS): B+D+F+H+J
-Affect Balance Score (ABS): PAS minus NAS
Possible range: -5 to +5

Name: Bradburn's 'Affect Balance Scale' (standard version)

Classification:

A-BB-cm-mq-v-2-a

Author's label:

Bradburn's Affect Balance scale

Page in publication:

159

Observed distribution

Summary Statistics

On original range -5 - 5 On range 0-10

Mean:

1.70 -

SD:

2.00 -

Correlational Findings

Author's label Subject Description Finding Self-fulfillment index Life-adjustment inventories Handle problems index Satisfaction with own coping with life-change
Satisfaction with self-realization Respect index Self perceived recognition Friends index Satisfaction with friends
Satisfaction with personal contacts Sex life Satisfaction with sex-life Standard of living index Satisfaction with standard of living Family activities Satisfaction with family
Satisfaction with leisure activities Health index Satisfaction with physical activity
Satisfaction with health Fun and enjoyment Pleasant (vs unpleasant) Assertiveness index Assertive
Evaluation of aspects of self Marriage index Satisfaction with marriage Privacy index Satisfaction with freedom
Need for privacy
Satisfaction with multiple domains of life
Independent Other's moral qualities index Satisfaction with compatriots in nation
Trusting
Trust in people Own moral qualities index Moral
Satisfaction with own morality Parents index Relations with parents Spare time activities Satisfaction with activity pattern
Satisfaction with leisure activities Job index Current satisfaction with work Your children Attitudes to characteristics of one's children
Current relation with one's children Worries index (Anxiety index) Burden of current life-events
Amount of worrying Work around the house index Satisfaction with household activities House Satisfaction with housing
Build environment Suburb/neighborhood Attitude to vicinity
Satisfaction with local environment Organisational involvement index Satisfaction with organizational participation Safety from violence, theft Satisfaction with safety in vicinity
Attitudes to victimization Government index Attitudes to government Life concerns Satisfaction with multiple domains of life