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Social Indicators Research

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01-11-2014

Some Individual Differences Influencing the Propensity to Happiness: Insights from Behavioral Economics

Authors: Fei He, Hao Guan, Yi Kong, Rong Cao, Jiaxi Peng

Published in: Social Indicators Research | Issue 2/2014

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Abstract

The present study investigated the differences between individuals with high and low level of happiness in regulatory focus, reference point setting and editing rules conformity. Participants (N = 570) responded to the general well-being (GWB) schedule. Those with GWB scores ±1 Z score from the sample mean (N = 182) were recalled to respond to the regular focus scale and self-frame questionnaire, and complete the editing rules test. The results suggested that compared to the individuals with low happiness, individuals with high happiness tend to be promotion focus rather than prevention focus, prefer to regard the current state as reference point, and more comply with editing rules that can produce the maximum psychological value. The current result further illustrated the subjectivity of happiness and suggested some practical ways to achieving more happiness.

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Title: Some Individual Differences Influencing the Propensity to Happiness: Insights from Behavioral Economics
Authors: Fei He
Hao Guan
Yi Kong
Rong Cao
Jiaxi Peng
Publication date: 01-11-2014
Publisher: Springer Netherlands
Published in: Social Indicators Research / Issue 2/2014
Print ISSN: 0303-8300
Electronic ISSN: 1573-0921
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11205-013-0519-0

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