Spatial Effects Over Time-Framed Happiness

The article investigates average marginal effects of intra-urban, urban-remote and perceived spatial differences over time-framed happiness. The study is based on a self-report social survey conducted in Adana which includes three different time frames for happiness, namely at present (short-term), in the last week and in the last 4 weeks (global). Over which, the effects of objective, subjective and social spatial variables through socio-economic and social capital variables are measured using logistic regression models. Based on cognitive neuroscience research findings, the expectations are that perceived aspects of life are more likely related to short-term happiness and objective aspects of life are more likely related to global happiness. The analyses reveal that urban-remote difference is more likely related to higher global happiness; vehicle dependent-others difference is more likely related to higher happiness; perceived spatial factors are more likely related to short-term happiness; lower relative income and higher neighborhood inequality are more likely to decrease global happiness; the unemployed and retired urban residents are more likely to feel less happy and related to global happiness; personal characteristics and socio-economic factors are more likely related to one-week happiness. The implications suggest that policies should be towards the city retirees and the unemployeds who feel less happy, and intensive public transportation areas and their residents who are the most unhappy and more disturbed by air pollution. For policy implementation, we recommend that the authorities discuss the public transport, distance to services, air pollution and unemployment issues, and adopt the retirement adjustment law to eliminate the grievances in the pensions of the retirees.