Publication type
Journal Article
Authors
Publication date
October 15, 2015
Summary:
There is a large amount of cross-sectional evidence for a midlife low in
the life cycle of human happiness and well-being (a ‘U shape’). Yet no
genuinely longitudinal inquiry has uncovered evidence for a U-shaped
pattern. Thus, some researchers believe the U is a statistical artefact.
We re-examine this fundamental cross-disciplinary question. We suggest a
new test. Drawing on four data sets, and only within-person changes in
well-being, we document powerful support for a U shape in longitudinal
data (without the need for formal regression equations). The article's
methodological contribution is to use the first-derivative properties of
a well-being equation.
Published in
Economic Journal
DOI
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/ecoj.12256
ISSN
130133
Subjects
Notes
Online Early
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