Toward a Flourishing Neighborhood: the Association of Happiness and Sense of Community

Abstract

Although a substantial amount of literature has focused on correlates of happiness, a growing body of research has begun to look at how happiness affects certain life outcomes. Among these are the relationships we have with individuals and with the community itself. The aim of this study was to further this understanding by examining the association between happiness and sense of community (SOC). Data were collected from the monthly Florida Consumer Attitude Survey from 502 adult residents within a neighborhood setting. A hierarchical multiple regression analysis was performed to measure the effect of happiness on SOC above and beyond the influence of demographics, neighborhood characteristics, and reported health. Results indicated that age, income, number of years lived in the neighborhood, reported health, and happiness all significantly contributed to SOC, suggesting that happy people may be more connected to their neighborhoods. This relationship has implications for future research as SOC has been shown to be a catalyst for both individual social participation and neighboring as well as community level efficacy and social capital.