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Changes in Subjective Well-Being Over Time in Germnay

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  • Ana I. Moro Egido

    (Department of Economic Theory and Economic History, University of Granada.)

  • Maria Navarro

    (Department of Economic Theory and Economic History, University of Granada.)

  • Ángeles Sánchez-Domínguez

    (Departament of Applied Economics, University of Granada, Spain.)

Abstract

Using data from the German Socio-Economic Panel, we study the evolution of subjective well-being from 1999 to 2014. More specifically, we analyze the main determinants of changes in subjective well-being once we determine the main factors of predicted changes of subjective well-being. Moreover, we test whether these determinants exert a differential effect when considering ups and downs in subjective well-being. Our main findings indicate that, social, cultural and psychological capital predict the largest changes in subjective well-being. We also observe that absolute income has effects on changes in subjective well-being, but is not relevant at level. Additionally, adaptation is always complete except when we focus on specific changes, that is, when we distinguish between ups and downs in subjective well-being, adaptation affects the positive changes. In general, our evidence shows that all factors except bridging social capital, worries and risk have a different effect on the level and changes in subjective well-being.

Suggested Citation

  • Ana I. Moro Egido & Maria Navarro & Ángeles Sánchez-Domínguez, 2017. "Changes in Subjective Well-Being Over Time in Germnay," ThE Papers 17/05, Department of Economic Theory and Economic History of the University of Granada..
    • Handle: RePEc:gra:wpaper:17/05
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    Keywords

    subjective well-being evolution; social comparisons; social capital; cultural capital; psychological capital.;
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