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Studies

Wilcke et al. (2007): study NL 2007

Publication

Author(s):
Wilcke, E.; Ruysenaars, W.; VanDerLinden, C.; Verheggen, P.P.
Title:
Het Geluk van Werkend Nederland 2007. (The Happiness of Working People in the Netherlands in 2007).
Source:
Projectpaper K0338, Motivaction i.o.o. Randstad (Temp Agency), 2007, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Investigation

Public
Working people, the Netherlands, 2007
Sample
Semi-probability sample
Respondents
N = 3164
Non Response
Assessment
Questionnaire: Conputer Assisted Web Interview (CAWI)

Happiness Measure(s) and Distributional Findings

Full text:
Self report on single question

How satisfied are you with the life you lead?
1  not at all satisfied
2  not so satisfied
3  fairly satisfied
4  very satisfied
Classification:
O-SLL-u-sq-v-4-h
Author's label:
Happiness
Remarks:
Mean happiness computed by WDH-team
Observed distribution
Frequencies
1: 1%,   2: 6%,   3: 61%,   4: 32%   (total 100%)
Summary Statistics
On original range 1 - 4 On range 0-10
Mean:
3.24 7.18
SD:
0.60 1.67
Full text:
Self report on single question:

Here is a picture of a ladder. Suppose we say that the top of the ladder (10) represents the best possible life for you and the bottom (1) represents the worst possible life for you.  Where on the ladder do you feel personally stand at the present time?
[ 10 ]  best possible life for you
[   9 ]
[   8 ]
[   7 ]
[   6 ]
[   5 ]
[   4 ]
[   3 ]
[   2 ]
[   1 ]  worst possible life for you

Name: Cantril's self anchoring ladder rating of life (adapted version)
Classification:
C-BW-c-sq-l-10-b
Author's label:
Happiness
Remarks:
10% of the respondents score a 5 or lower (unhappy)
Observed distribution
Summary Statistics
On original range 1 - 10 On range 0-10
Mean:
7.40 -
SD:
- -
Full text:
Self report on single question:

I usually get what I want from life
4  completely agree
3  agree
2  don't agree
1  don't agree at all
Classification:
C-W-g-sq-v-4-a
Author's label:
Happiness

Correlational Findings

Author's label Subject Description Finding Past happiness 2 years ago Past happiness ( 1 to 10 years ago) Retrospective happiness 5 years ago In recent past Self-perceived happiness 5 years from now In the near future (up to 5 years) Self earned respect and honour Congruency self-image and reputation
Self perceived recognition
People should influence their own fate Attitudes to freedom
Individualistic values
Perseverance and hard work usually lead to success Work values
Current motivation to work
A person can become rich by taking risks Attitudes to one's possessions
Risk minded
My life is like a collectioon of random events Inner locus of control It is difficult to know who my real friends are Attitudes to friendship If something does not work, I am inclined to give up Persistent My success is largely due to chance Inner locus of control I usually get what I want from life Contentment and contentment I do not really believe in luck or coincidence Inner locus of control