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Satisfaction and happiness

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Abstract

I review the recent literature on satisfaction and happiness, identify some plausible next steps to take at the frontiers of the research field and offer some suggestions to facilitate those steps. Using partial correlation techniques, substantial levels of covariation are found among the variables that are used in predictions of satisfaction and happiness with life as a whole from satisfaction with specific domains (e.g. family life, health). Using path analysis, confirmation is found in a dozen domains for a model which has satisfaction as a function of a perceived goal-achievement gap, and the latter as a function of comparisons with previous best experience and the status of average folks. Using discriminant analysis, satisfaction with family life is found to be a powerful and predominant discriminator among three groups, identified as Frustrated (dissatisfied and unhappy), Resigned (satisfied and unhappy) and Achievers (satisfied and happy).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada

    Alex C. Michalos

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I am grateful for the help of A. M. Blanchet, L. Ferraro, R. A. Logan, S. McNeill, J. Tofflemire and the generous members of our university Staff Association who gave up their time to fill out yet another questionnaire. F. M. Andrews. O. D. Duncan, J. J. Hubert, K. C. Land, S. Swaminathan and F. W. Young gave me plenty of good advice, for which I am also grateful. Of course, I alone am responsible for this final version of the paper.

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Michalos, A.C. Satisfaction and happiness. Soc Indic Res 8, 385–422 (1980). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00461152

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