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Studies

Martinson et al. (1985): study US Wisconsin 1974

Publication

Author(s):
Martinson, O.B.; Linn, J.G.; Wilkening, E.A.
Title:
Life Change, Health Status and Life Satisfaction: A Reconsideration.
Source:
Social Indicators Research, 1985, Vol. 16, 301 - 313

Investigation

Public
18+ aged, general public, NW Wisconsin, USA, 1974
Sample
Respondents
N = 1423
Non Response
14%
Assessment
Interview: face-to-face
Structured interview

Happiness Measure(s) and Distributional Findings

Full text:
Self report on single question, asked twice in interview:

Considering everything, how satisfied are you with your life as a whole........?
7   completely satisfied
6
5
4
3
2
1   completely dissatisfied

Summation: both scores added
Possible range: 2 to 14
Classification:
O-SLW-u-sqt-v-7-a
Author's label:
Life Satisfaction
Error estimates:
Reliability: equivalence: r= +.56 Validity:

Correlational Findings

Author's label Subject Description Finding Negative life change Sum of negative life-events Disability Degree of restriction Days lost to illness Days ill Powerlessness Perceived political control Community solidarity Social cohesion in vicinity Recent migrant Recently moved Contact with friends Current contacts with friends Contact with relatives Contacts with relatives Organizational affiliation Membership of voluntary organizations Church attendance Participation in church Separated / divorced Divorced or separated Male sex Sexe: male (vs female) employed Current employment status Family income Household income Education Level of school-education Joint effects Summed socio-demographic + health + life appraisals + life events + ties