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The Determinants of the Perception of Happiness About Quality of Life Amongst Turkish People

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  • Kivilcim Metin Özcan

    (Bilkent University, Department of Economics, Bilkent, Ankara Turkey)

  • Selin Sayek Böke

    (Bilkent University, Department of Economics, Bilkent, Ankara Turkey)

  • Mine Kara

    (Bilkent University, Department of Economics, Bilkent, Ankara Turkey)

Abstract

Happiness and life satisfaction are two empirically correlated but conceptually different determinants of quality of life. It has been theorized that happiness is an effective construct, whereas life satisfaction is a cognitive one. According to the recent literature, substantial levels of similarities are found among the determinants of satisfaction and happiness with life as a whole from satisfaction of various specific domains (such as family and health). Using the Life Satisfaction 2006 Study: Household and Individual by the Turkish Statistical Institute we examine the determinants of happiness among Turkish people. We estimate an ordered probit model and our results suggest that higher income and having a job are two crucial determinants of happiness. Male and married people are happier than singles and females. Less educated people are happier than university educated people. If we exclude Easterling paradox, the findings of this paper confirm that there is not a big difference between developing and developed countries when it comes to determinants of happiness.

Suggested Citation

  • Kivilcim Metin Özcan & Selin Sayek Böke & Mine Kara, 2008. "The Determinants of the Perception of Happiness About Quality of Life Amongst Turkish People," Working Papers 425, Economic Research Forum, revised 08 Jan 2008.
    • Handle: RePEc:erg:wpaper:425
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    Cited by:

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    2. Kâzım Anıl Eren & Ahmet Atıl Aşıcı, 2018. "Subjective Well-Being in an Era of Relentless Growth: The Case of Turkey Between 2004 and 2014," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 19(5), pages 1347-1371, June.

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