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An empirical investigation into the determinants and persistence of happiness and life evaluation

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  • Chrostek, Pawel

Abstract

A comparison of measures of happiness and life evaluation indicates significant differences in correlates. Life evaluation is less dependent on external circumstances than happiness. Temporary changes in health, labour market status and income have a smaller impact on life evaluation than on happiness. Despite the differences both types of well-being exhibit a positive relation between current and past well-being. This result contradicts the hypothesis of general habituation.

Suggested Citation

  • Chrostek, Pawel, 2013. "An empirical investigation into the determinants and persistence of happiness and life evaluation," MPRA Paper 50442, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    • Handle: RePEc:pra:mprapa:50442
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    hedonic adaptation; subjective well-being; determinants of happiness;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D0 - Microeconomics - - General
    • I31 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - General Welfare, Well-Being

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