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Some Individual Differences Influencing the Propensity to Happiness: Insights from Behavioral Economics

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  • Fei He
  • Hao Guan
  • Yi Kong
  • Rong Cao
  • Jiaxi Peng

Abstract

The present study investigated the differences between individuals with high and low level of happiness in regulatory focus, reference point setting and editing rules conformity. Participants (N = 570) responded to the general well-being (GWB) schedule. Those with GWB scores ±1 Z score from the sample mean (N = 182) were recalled to respond to the regular focus scale and self-frame questionnaire, and complete the editing rules test. The results suggested that compared to the individuals with low happiness, individuals with high happiness tend to be promotion focus rather than prevention focus, prefer to regard the current state as reference point, and more comply with editing rules that can produce the maximum psychological value. The current result further illustrated the subjectivity of happiness and suggested some practical ways to achieving more happiness. Copyright Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht 2014

Suggested Citation

  • Fei He & Hao Guan & Yi Kong & Rong Cao & Jiaxi Peng, 2014. "Some Individual Differences Influencing the Propensity to Happiness: Insights from Behavioral Economics," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 119(2), pages 897-908, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:soinre:v:119:y:2014:i:2:p:897-908
    DOI: 10.1007/s11205-013-0519-0
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Unji An & Haeyoung Gideon Park & Da Eun Han & Young-Hoon Kim, 2022. "Emotional Suppression and Psychological Well-Being in Marriage: The Role of Regulatory Focus and Spousal Behavior," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(2), pages 1-17, January.

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