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The Shifting Meaning of Happiness

Author

Listed:
  • Mogilner, Cassie

    (University of Pennsylvania)

  • Kamvar, Sepandar D.

    (Stanford University)

  • Aaker, Jennifer

    (Stanford University)

Abstract

An examination of emotions reported on 12 million personal blogs along with a series of surveys and laboratory experiments show that the meaning of happiness is not fixed; instead, it systematically shifts over the course of one's lifetime. Whereas younger people are more likely to associate happiness with excitement, as they get older, they become more likely to associate happiness with peacefulness. This change appears to be driven by a redirection of attention from the future to the present as people age. The dynamics of happiness has implications from purchasing behavior to ways to increase one's happiness.

Suggested Citation

  • Mogilner, Cassie & Kamvar, Sepandar D. & Aaker, Jennifer, 2010. "The Shifting Meaning of Happiness," Research Papers 2070, Stanford University, Graduate School of Business.
    • Handle: RePEc:ecl:stabus:2070
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    File URL: http://gsbapps.stanford.edu/researchpapers/library/RP2070.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Patti Williams & Aimee Drolet, 2005. "Age-Related Differences in Responses to Emotional Advertisements," Journal of Consumer Research, Journal of Consumer Research Inc., vol. 32(3), pages 343-354, December.
    2. J. Latten, 1989. "Life-course and satisfaction, equal for every-one?," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 21(6), pages 599-610, December.
    3. repec:pri:cepsud:125krueger is not listed on IDEAS
    4. Daniel Kahneman & Alan B. Krueger & David Schkade & Norbert Schwarz & Arthur A. Stone, 2006. "Would You Be Happier If You Were Richer? A Focusing Illusion," Working Papers 77, Princeton University, Department of Economics, Center for Economic Policy Studies..
    5. Mogilner, Cassie & Aaker, Jennifer & Kamvar, Sepandar, 2011. "How Happiness Impacts Choice," Research Papers 2084, Stanford University, Graduate School of Business.
    6. Daniel Kahneman & Alan B. Krueger & David Schkade & Norbert Schwarz & Arthur A. Stone, 2006. "Would You Be Happier If You Were Richer? A Focusing Illusion," Working Papers 77, Princeton University, Department of Economics, Center for Economic Policy Studies..
    7. Arthur A. Stone & Joseph E. Schwartz & Joan E. Broderick & Angus Deaton, 2010. "A snapshot of the age distribution of psychological well-being in the United States," Working Papers 1230, Princeton University, Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs, Center for Health and Wellbeing..
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    Cited by:

    1. Elyakim Kislev, 2018. "Happiness, Post-materialist Values, and the Unmarried," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 19(8), pages 2243-2265, December.
    2. Elyakim Kislev, 2020. "Social Capital, Happiness, and the Unmarried: a Multilevel Analysis of 32 European Countries," Applied Research in Quality of Life, Springer;International Society for Quality-of-Life Studies, vol. 15(5), pages 1475-1492, November.
    3. Mohsen Joshanloo, 2022. "Mental Balance in 116 Nations: Where It Is Experienced and Valued," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(19), pages 1-10, September.

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