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The AB Identification Survey: Identifying Absolute versus Relative Determinants of Happiness

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  • Adelle Yang
  • Christopher Hsee
  • Xingshan Zheng

Abstract

This article introduces a simple survey method to distinguish between two types of variables that affect happiness—type A, which exerts an absolute effect on happiness, and type B, which affects happiness only through social context. The authors validate the method by comparing its findings with the findings of a theoretically superior but less practical experimental method, and use the method to identify the AB nature of a variety of naturally-occurring variables among both college students and people with work experience. We conclude by discussing the limitation of this method as well as its potential to inform policymakers about where to invest resources in order to improve people’s happiness over time. Copyright Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2012

Suggested Citation

  • Adelle Yang & Christopher Hsee & Xingshan Zheng, 2012. "The AB Identification Survey: Identifying Absolute versus Relative Determinants of Happiness," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 13(4), pages 729-744, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jhappi:v:13:y:2012:i:4:p:729-744
    DOI: 10.1007/s10902-011-9288-0
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Bogaerts, Tess & Pandelaere, Mario, 2013. "Less is more: Why some domains are more positional than others," Journal of Economic Psychology, Elsevier, vol. 39(C), pages 225-236.

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