Abstract
In the first round of this Delphi study 14 experts suggested strategies for improving life-satisfaction. In a second round, experts rated these strategies for (a) effectiveness, (b) feasibility and (c) cost-effectiveness. They considered 56 strategies policy makers can use to raise average happiness in a nation and 68 ways in which individuals can raise their own happiness. Experts were informed about the average ratings made by the panel and about the arguments advanced. Then, in a third round, experts made their final judgments. Summed ratings for average effectiveness and feasibility of the strategies ranged between 8.4 and 4.9 on scale 2–10, which means that most of the recommendations were deemed suitable. Agreement was slightly higher on policy strategies than on individual ways to greater happiness. Policy strategies deemed the most effective and feasible are: (1) investing in happiness research, (2) support of vulnerable people and (3) improving the social climate, in particular by promoting voluntary work and supporting non-profits. Individual strategies deemed most effective are: (a) investing in social networks, (b) doing meaningful things and (c) caring for one’s health.
Highlights
Citizens in western societies call on their governments to improve the social conditions for happiness; for example, 85% of the British agree with the statement that ‘A governments prime aim should be achieving the greatest happiness of the people, not the greatest wealth’ (BBC 2006, question 14). This call for greater happiness is not new, it has figured in western thought since antiquity and became salient in the eighteenth century European Enlightenment, a spokesman of which was Jeremy Bentham, who declared that we should aim at ‘greater happiness for a greater number’ (Bentham 1789)
The method has been used for forecasting future developments. We use it to understand the implications of present day happiness research
We will first consider the differences between the view taken by experts and prevailing public opinion on ways to greater happiness
Summary
All humans want a satisfying life for themselves and their children This is seen in the high ranking given to happiness in the value hierarchies of students all over the world (Diener et al 1995) and in the preferences of ordinary people in western nations Citizens in western societies call on their governments to improve the social conditions for happiness; for example, 85% of the British agree with the statement that ‘A governments prime aim should be achieving the greatest happiness of the people, not the greatest wealth’ (BBC 2006, question 14) This call for greater happiness is not new, it has figured in western thought since antiquity and became salient in the eighteenth century European Enlightenment, a spokesman of which was Jeremy Bentham, who declared that we should aim at ‘greater happiness for a greater number’ (Bentham 1789). This call for greater happiness gains strength these days, among other things because research has shown that greater happiness is possible (Veenhoven 2015)
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