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Do people choose what makes them happy and how do they decide at all? A theoretical inquiry

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  • Niklas Scheuer

    (Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz)

Abstract

We develop a theoretical model that jointly explains optimal choices and happiness. We work with constant elasticity of substitution functions for utility and happiness. Employing a choice framework, individuals are confronted with two options. When there exists a trade-off, we determine parametric conditions for which individual happiness and utility coincide as well as oppose each other. Comparing the empirical evidence of Benjamin et al. (2012), our model can explain three out of four possible happiness-utility combinations. Regarding how individuals actually decide, our findings suggest that this is partly random. This explanation accounts for the remaining 11.2 % of individuals.

Suggested Citation

  • Niklas Scheuer, 2020. "Do people choose what makes them happy and how do they decide at all? A theoretical inquiry," Working Papers 2002, Gutenberg School of Management and Economics, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz.
    • Handle: RePEc:jgu:wpaper:2002
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Consumer Economics; Theory; General Welfare; Well-Being; Micro-Based Behavioral Economics;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D11 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - Consumer Economics: Theory
    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making
    • I31 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - General Welfare, Well-Being

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