Higher Levels Of Happiness Research Articles

Effects of combined exercise program on happiness and life satisfaction on physically active older adults

<p style="text-align: justify;">Well-being is the assessment of individual experiences with pleasant feelings like happiness and life satisfaction. Combined training is recommended for older adults to decrease age-related psychological changes and functional limitations. This systematic review aimed to assess the effects of a combined exercise program on happiness and life satisfaction in physically active older adults. The electronic databases of Google Scholar, Web of Science, and PubMed were searched between 2000 and 2023 for available literature. The searched keywords were: older adults, training, exercises, happiness, and life satisfaction. After completing the investigation, 931 publications were found. Inclusion criteria comprised physically active participants aged 60 years and above, along with studies composed in English. Studies in which participants had obesity, diabetes, and other non-communicable diseases were excluded from investigation. The qualitative analysis involved eight studies. These studies ranged in publication date from 2008 to 2022. The participants in the studies were men and women aged from 60 to 79 years. The sample size was 1849 and ranged from 35 to 656 participants. Physical activity was a combination of aerobic training, strength training, stretching exercises, and balance exercises. The most used questionnaire was the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). The findings indicate that older adults of both genders who underwent combined training programs had higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction. Research has shown that leading an active lifestyle enhances older persons' happiness and satisfaction with life. These results support the importance of maintaining an active lifestyle to improve the mental and emotional well-being of older adults.</p>

A Comprehensive Study on the Impact of the Scale of Learning Spaces on Happiness and Well-Being of Preschool Children with reference to two selected cases from Colombo, Sri Lanka

Childhood is concerned as the foundation of an adult. Therefore, providing of psychologically inspiring spaces for children is vital. The previous studies have been done related to happiness and well-being of preschool children, mostly focusing on the usage of colors, indoor environment quality, outdoor play spaces etc. But there is very limited evidence for studying the inter-connection between the scale of learning spaces and happiness and well-being of preschool children. Considering the research gap in the context of architectural design, this study was first of its kind to investigate the impact of scale of learning spaces, on the happiness and well-being (i.e., In related to PERMA profiler) of preschool children. Mosaic approach from Professor Allison Clerk was used to collect data for the research. Results revealed that large scale learning spaces generates high levels of PERMA profiler than small scale learning spaces. Large scale learning spaces support in generating engagement (79.3%), relationships (78.2%) and accomplished (74.3%) components in related to PERMA profiler. Small scale learning spaces aid in generating positive emotion (79.3%) and meaning (65.3%) components when considered in related to PERMA profiler. The recommendations provided based on the findings can be utilized to design future preschool learning spaces that promote high levels of happiness and well-being in preschool children.

How spending decisions shape happiness in everyday life

This study examines the emotional consequences of spending choices in everyday life across a diverse multinational sample. Based on a dataset of 200 participants across 7 countries who received $10,000 USD, we analyzed how happy they felt from different types of purchases made with that money. Participants derived high levels of happiness from some types of purchases that have been examined in past research (e.g., buying experiences), but also from other purchases (e.g., education) that have not been the focus of previous work. We found some evidence that the emotional benefits of spending choices varied depending on whether participants lived in higher vs. lower-income countries; specifically, we found differences in the benefits of spending on gifts, housing, debt, and time-saving services. Around the world, people who spent money in ways that made them happy experienced greater improvements in overall subjective well-being 3 and 6 months later.

Marital happiness in a Middle Eastern context: are men happier?

BackgroundResearch on marital happiness in Middle Eastern cultures is lacking. This lack of understanding has created several challenges for policymakers and marriage counselors as divorce rates have increased over the past decade.MethodThis study aimed to assess the prevalence of marital happiness among Omani couples and its association with demographic variables, including gender, level of education, and duration of marriage. A convenience sample of 1137 married people from different regions in Oman responded to the Marital Happiness Scale.ResultsOmani couples, in general, indicated a high level of marital happiness. Married men seemed significantly happier about their marriages than wives did. Income and education level also affect perceived marital happiness. Marital happiness increased as income increased while level of education was partially associated with marital happiness. Place of living was not a significant predictor of marital happiness. Lower levels of perceived marital happiness among couples in polygamous marriages were observed. The spouses' kinship did not affect their perception of marital happiness.ConclusionThis study showed that financial stressors and education level significantly influence marital happiness. Men and women also perceive marital happiness differently. The results offer implications for research and practice, especially for policymakers and marital counselors.

Do happy individuals support government environmental spending? Evidence from the general social survey

ABSTRACT Using 49 years of General Social Survey data (1972–2021), we investigate the relationship between individual happiness and support for government environmental expenditure. Contrary to expectations, we find a negative correlation between higher levels of happiness and support for environmental spending. Employing various methods to address endogeneity, including bivariate probit and instrumental variable approaches, we uncover a non-linear relationship where individuals with greater life satisfaction are less likely to support government environmental expenditure. We also find that tax morale serves as a moderating factor in this relationship. We validate these findings using World Values Survey data from over a hundred countries. Our results challenge conventional assumptions about the link between personal well-being and environmental policy attitudes. This unexpected relationship suggests that policymakers should develop targeted strategies to engage happier individuals (especially those with low tax morale) in supporting environmental measures.

Exploring eating disorder risk among Thai transfeminine youth: a comparative study with cisgender females

BackgroundAdolescents, particularly vulnerable during puberty, often face heightened concerns about dieting and body image. Transfeminine youth, especially in Asian cultures, are understudied in this context. This study investigates eating disorder risks among Thai transfeminine youth and compares to cisgender females, focusing on the association with body dissatisfaction. This study aims to explore 3 objectives: (1) to assess and compare the prevalence of eating disorder risks between Thai transfeminine youth and cisgender females; (2) to examine the link between body dissatisfaction and eating disorder risks; (3) to identify risk factors associated with abnormal eating disorder screening outcomes.MethodThis is a cross-sectional comparative study conducted between September 2021 and October 2022. The study questionnaire includes Thai version of the Eating Attitude Test-26 (EAT-26) to assess the risks of eating disorders and Thai version of the Body Image Concern Inventory (BICI) to assess body dissatisfaction. The questionnaire was distributed through social media platforms to transfeminine and cisgender females, aged 12–25 years. The correlation between eating disorder risks and body dissatisfaction was analyzed with linear regression, while the comparisons between transfeminine individuals and cisgender female groups were analyzed with Wilcoxon rank-sum test.ResultsThe study included 241 transfeminine individuals and 388 cisgender females, median age 19.0 years (interquartile range [IQR] 18–21) and 18 years (IQR 16–20), respectively. Ninety (37.3%) transfeminine individuals had an EAT-26 score ≥ 20, suggesting concerns for dieting and eating behaviors, compared to 70 (18%) cisgender females (p < 0.001). Risk factors for EDs included obesity (odds ratio [OR] 3.22, confidence interval [CI] 1.36–7.6) and low income (OR 3.66, CI 1.59–8.4). Protective factors were negligible exercise (OR 0.24, CI 0.09–0.66), gender identity disclosure (OR 0.27, CI 0.1–0.77), and high levels of happiness (OR 0.85, CI 0.73–0.98). There is a significant correlation between the positive eating behavior screening and the body dissatisfaction scores.ConclusionsTransfeminine youths show significantly higher concerns about dieting, body weight, and eating behaviors than their cisgender females, highlighting the unique challenges they face. These results emphasize the needs for targeted screening, health care access for treatment and support for eating disorders in transfeminine youths.

The Impact of Religious Self-Identification on Happiness and Well-Being: A Case Study of Kazakhstan

Faith helps religious people persevere, hold back, refrain from fighting as much as possible, bear through life tribulations, and keep their loved ones in good spirits. Therefore, it can be hypothesized that people who identify as believers are happier than those who do not. The purpose of this study is to determine the influence of religiosity on self-assessed well-being and satisfaction with various material and immaterial aspects of life from the perspective of religious and nonreligious people and to determine the strength of the effect of religion on subjective well-being in contrast to other socioeconomic factors. In the present study, 1,500 respondents from Kazakhstan took a survey that touched upon their perceptions of social well-being and self-assessed religious status. The survey results were subjected to quantitative analysis via descriptive statistics and correlation analysis via Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient and the Mann‒Whitney U test. The results indicate that people in Kazakhstan demonstrate a fairly high level of self-assessed happiness. There is a statistically significant, albeit weak, correlation between self-assessed happiness and being religious. Research shows that regardless of religiosity, happiness is likely to be experienced by people if they are healthy.

Heterogeneity in happiness: A latent profile analysis of single emerging adults.

Whether attending college, entering the workforce, or finding a romantic partner, single emerging adults navigate a pivotal stage of their lives. The present cross-sectional study sought to examine the heterogeneity in happiness of single emerging adults (N = 1,073) with a person-centered, group-differential approach. Using five predictors of life satisfaction (friendship satisfaction, family satisfaction, self-esteem, neuroticism, and extraversion) as indicators in latent profile analysis (LPA), we identified five distinct profiles (or groups) of young singles. The profiles, ordered from favorable to unfavorable indicator patterns, presented diverse shape and level differences that corresponded to varying happiness levels. Singles in Profile 1 with the most favorable indicator patterns (e.g., high friendship satisfaction, low neuroticism) were the happiest, while those in Profile 5 with the least favorable indicator patterns (e.g., low friendship satisfaction, high neuroticism) were the unhappiest. In the middle profiles, singles often offset disadvantages in one area (e.g., high neuroticism) with advantages in others (e.g., high friendship satisfaction) to achieve average to somewhat high levels of happiness. Importantly, friendship satisfaction emerged as a vital indicator, often distinguishing which singles were happy or not. Covariate analyses further validated the profiles and revealed additional profile differences (e.g., gender, anxiety, depression). Overall, our findings underscore the essential role of satisfying friendships in promoting the well-being of single emerging adults.

The Association between Music Listening at Home and Subjective Well-Being.

This study examines the association between listening to music at home and subjective well-being, using data from 14,162 respondents in the China General Social Surveys conducted in 2015, 2017, and 2021. Among the respondents, the average happiness score was 3.958. Regression analyzes indicate that frequent music listening is significantly associated with higher happiness levels, with coefficients of 0.384 in the baseline model and 0.570 in the model with control variables. Robustness checks performed across different models support these findings. Instrumental variable analysis, using Mandarin proficiency, yielded a coefficient of 0.212, indicating a robust association despite a slight reduction in magnitude. Heterogeneity analyzes showed consistent associations across genders, religious beliefs, and regions, with slightly stronger associations observed for females and non-religious individuals. Mediation analysis identified mental health and class identity as significant mediators, contributing to a total association of 0.146. These results highlight the positive correlation between music listening and well-being, suggesting the potential value of integrating music resources into well-being strategies.

Deciphering temporal perspectives: A key to happiness and optimism for healthy aging in nursing practices”

BackgroundWith the global population of older individuals increasing rapidly, it is important to understand the factors contributing to their well-being. The study aimed to investigate the relationship between older adults' time perspective and their experiences of happiness and optimism. MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted on a substantial sample size of 300 older adults from January to March 2023. The study utilized reliable and validated measures, including the Short Version of the Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory and the Arabic Scales of Happiness, Optimism, and Pessimism. ResultsThe study found that older adults with a negative view of the past (PN perspective) had lower levels of happiness (r=-0.374, p<0.01), while those with a hedonistic view of the present (PH perspective) had higher levels of happiness (r=0.266, p<0.01). Additionally, a fatalistic view of the present (PF perspective) was associated with lower levels of happiness (r=-0.178, p<0.05) and optimism (r=-0.168, p<0.05). Negative views of the future (FN perspective) were correlated with lower happiness levels (r=-0.546, p<0.01), while positive views of the future (FP perspective) were associated with higher levels of optimism (r=0.432, p<0.01). ConclusionOlder adults with a balanced time perspective, marked by positive and negative views of the past and an optimistic outlook on the future, reported moderate happiness and optimism. Older adults with a negative view of the past and a fatalistic view of the present tend to have lower levels of happiness and optimism. On the other hand, those who have a hedonistic view of the present and a positive view of the future tend to have higher levels of happiness and optimism. Older adults with a pessimistic outlook toward past experiences or the future may require additional emotional support and targeted interventions to foster a more positive mindset.

Aging in Place: Toward Understanding Momentary Well-Being and Daily Satisfaction of Older People

Few studies have investigated how older people’s daily activities and characteristics of the surrounding urban environment affect their emotions and daily satisfaction. This study fills the research gap by using a paper-based survey and a smartphone ecological momentary assessment (EMA) application (with GPS tracking and pop-up surveys about activities) to study older people’s well-being in Hong Kong. Three hundred and two older adults completed the paper survey and forty-two of them further completed a six- to seven-day EMA survey. Based on a total of 1,530 activity episodes, generalized estimating equation models were developed to examine the relationship between older people’s socioeconomic background, activity participation, urban environment characteristics, and their feelings of happiness and calmness. Results show that older people’s daily life satisfaction is affected by the emotions they experienced throughout the day. In particular, a higher level of happiness was associated with socializing, leisure, and recreation activities taking place outside of the immediate neighborhood, and calmness was best achieved during passive relaxation and resting activities within the residential neighborhood. Furthermore, characteristics of the environment at activity locations are statistically significant in explaining momentary well-being. The findings support the planning for age-friendly cities and communities through encouraging older people to engage in activities outside their residential neighborhoods and designing activity locations with more leisure facilities, lower road density, and higher exposure to water bodies.

WOMEN EMPLOYMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF TRENDS AND PATTERNS POST UTILIZATION OF NEW MEDIA TECHNOLOGIES

The rapid spread of COVID-19 across the country and the subsequent lockdowns disrupted a substantial number of businesses across the country. Small businesses, especially those owned and operated by women, have been affected by the epidemic, which has exacerbated the situation. In addition, the information gleaned from the applications revealed that despite these challenging circumstances, women had demonstrated remarkably high levels of leadership, happiness, and resilience. In 2020, women initiated twice as many Facebook-based fundraising campaigns as men. Moreover, female-initiated events received twice as many donations, accounting for 64% of the total cash donations. In addition, this research provides information on how businesswomen can utilize social media successfully in their operations, as well as variables that are advantageous to these businesswomen when conducting online business on social media. The objective of this study is to examine the pattern and trend of women's employment and entrepreneurship post utilization of new media. The study reveals that despite the presence of educational and socioeconomic issues, tribal women entrepreneurs have emerged in the last few decades with the aid of government-sponsored economic programs, and they are also improving their society.

Attention and sentiment of Chinese public toward rural landscape based on Sina Weibo

Rural landscapes, as products of the interaction between humans and nature, not only reflect the history and culture of rural areas but also symbolize economic and social progress. This study proposes a deep learning-based model for Weibo data analysis aimed at exploring the development direction of rural landscapes from the perspective of the Chinese public. The research reveals that the Chinese public’s attention to rural landscapes has significantly increased with the evolution of government governance concepts. Most people express a high level of satisfaction and happiness with the existing rural landscapes, while a minority harbor negative emotions towards unreasonable new rural construction. Through the analysis of public opinion regarding rural landscapes, this study will assist decision-makers in understanding the mechanisms of public discourse on social media. It will also aid relevant scholars and designers in providing targeted solutions, which hold significant importance for policy formulation and the exploration of specific development patterns.

The influence of an urban hukou and its acquisition methods on older adults’ happiness: an analysis based on the Chinese General Social Survey

The hukou system is a population management policy in China. However, existing research has paid little attention to the relationships between Chinese urban hukou, its acquisition methods, and older adults’ happiness. This study was based on 10,954 samples from the Chinese General Social Survey in 2013, 2015, and 2017. An ordinary least squares model was used to analyze the influence and differential influence of an urban hukou and its access paths on happiness among older adults. Compared with having a rural hukou, having an urban hukou is correlated with higher levels of happiness in older adults. Moreover, those who had actively converted to an urban hukou or were born with it were happier, while passive conversion to an urban hukou was not significantly correlated with happiness. Additionally, actively converting to an urban hukou and being born with urban hukou influence the happiness of older adults by affecting their class identity and income. To improve older adults’ happiness, it is necessary to narrow the welfare gap between an urban and rural hukou, balance the allocation of public resources in urban and rural areas, and make targeted assessments to solve the difficulties of older adults who passively convert to an urban hukou.

Hedonistic Lifestyle as a Predictor of Happiness in K-popers (Study of the Malang ARMY Community)

This research aims to find out whether a hedonistic lifestyle can predict happiness in the members of the community of fans of the Korean boy band BTS, known as ARMY, in Malang City. This quantitative research uses a simple linear regression analysis method. Respondents were selected using non-probability sampling and purposive sampling techniques with the following criteria: (1) K-popers who are members of the Malang ARMY community; (2) like K-pop music; and (3) have ever spent money to buy K-pop merchandise. The research respondents totaled 152 people. Data were collected using the Oxford Happiness Questionnaire (happiness scale) with content validity test results ranging from .426 to .743 and a reliability of .829 and a hedonistic lifestyle scale with a validity of .254 to .454 and a reliability of .767. The research results showed that (1) 74.3 percent of respondents had a high level of happiness; (2) 84.9 percent of respondents have a low hedonism lifestyle; and (3) hedonistic lifestyle is not a predictor of happiness among members of the Malang ARMY community, with a significance value of .148 or greater than .05.

The effects of world heritage status on European city residents’ subjective quality of life

PurposeBeing awarded world heritage status is a distinguishing factor when it comes to promoting tourism in a city. Tourism in these cities should be developed in a way that does not compromise either the city’s heritage or the inhabitants' quality of life. Thus, the main purpose of this paper is to analyze the effects of a European city achieving world heritage status on the subjective quality of life of its citizens.Design/methodology/approachFirst of all, we classify European cities according to whether or not they have been declared world heritage sites. Then, we analyze the effect of this classification on the main aspects used to measure the residents' perception of quality of life that are available in the Flash Eurobarometer 419.FindingsThe results show that achieving world heritage status has a negative effect on residents' perceptions of the noise level, air quality and feeling of safety. However, it does not affect their perceptions of public transport or cleanliness. In addition, world heritage status positively affects residents’ perceptions of the cultural activities in the city and their ease of finding a job. Residents report high levels of happiness in both world heritage and non-heritage cities, although levels are somewhat higher in non-heritage cities.Originality/valueResidents' perceptions of the influence of tourism on their quality of life are undoubtedly of major importance; however, due to a lack of available data, few studies have examined this subjective quality of life at the city level.

Translation and Validation of the German Version of the Ikigai-9

Background: The Japanese concept of “ikigai” embodies the feeling of having a meaningful purpose in life. It is associated with several positive outcomes. This study aimed to translate and validate the German version of the Ikigai-9 scale (Ikigai-9-G)—and ikigai scores for certain groups of interest were presented. Methods: Data were taken from a quota sample of the German adult population aged 18 to 74 years (n = 5000; representative in terms of age, sex, and state). Data were collected in August/September 2023. The translation process was conducted in accordance with the existing guidelines. Reliability (Cronbach’s alpha; McDonald’s omega) was assessed. Moreover, we evaluated the structure’s soundness using confirmatory factor analysis for construct validity and examined concurrent validity by exploring pairwise correlations between the Ikigai-9-G with life satisfaction, happiness, health-related quality of life, depressive symptoms, and anxiety symptoms. Additionally, we presented ikigai scores for specific sociodemographic groups of interest. Results: Cronbach’s alpha for the Ikigai-9-G equaled 0.88. The results of confirmatory factor analysis supported the original three-factor model as initially proposed. A higher sense of ikigai was associated with less depressive symptoms (r = −0.43, p &lt; 0.001), less anxiety symptoms (r = −0.39, p &lt; 0.001), higher health-related quality of life (r = 0.42, p &lt; 0.001), higher happiness levels (r = 0.62, p &lt; 0.001), and higher satisfaction with life levels (r = 0.57, p &lt; 0.001). Conclusion: The Ikigai-9 scale is a psychometrically sound tool offering the possibility for assessing ikigai among German speakers. Additional translation and validation studies are required to facilitate comparisons across different countries.

A descriptive examination of international family/shared meals: Prevalence, meal types, media at meals, and emotional well-being.

Studies in the United States have shown associations between family/shared meal frequency and child health and well-being. Less is known about family/shared meal characteristics (e.g., frequency, meal type, meal activities) in adults and international samples and whether there are protective associations between family/shared meal frequency and emotional well-being. Also unknown, is whether family meals provide protective associations for other family members in the household. In a 2022 cross-sectional study, an online survey was administered in the United States, Italy, and Germany. One adult respondent (49.5% female; Mage = 45.6) from each household (n = 1,983) reported on family/shared meals and well-being. A second family member (e.g., partner, child) responded in a subset of households (n = 1,915). Descriptive statistics by country, Spearman correlations between meal frequency and well-being, and Kruskal-Wallis comparisons of mood indicators across countries were run. The majority of adults across countries engaged in six or more family/shared meals per week, with more meals on weekends. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner family/shared meals were more common on weekends, and European countries reported engaging in a higher prevalence of all meal types. Higher frequency of family/shared meals was significantly correlated with fewer depressive symptoms, more connectedness, and higher levels of happiness in adults across countries and in a second household member. Family/shared meals were beneficial across an international sample and may provide protective spillover effects for multiple household members. Clinicians and researchers who work with families may want to consider assessing for and intervening on family meal frequency. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

RESILIENCE, ACADEMIC STRESS, AND HAPPINESS AMONG HIGHER EDUCATION STUDENTS

Background and Purpose: Happiness is essential in life. Studies showed that people with a high level of happiness could become more productive. Happiness can also be used as a general assessment of someone's life. For students, happiness is important to success in carrying out their roles. Resilience is one of the factors that influence happiness. However, a study on how resilience can influence happiness and academic stress is rarely found. This study aims to measure the influence of resilience on happiness and the influence of resilience on academic stress among higher education students in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.&#x0D; &#x0D; Methodology: Data were generated by collecting used measurements distributed to the subject. The respondents of this study were 253 (53 male or 20.9 %; 200 female or 79.1%) students of private higher education in Jogjakarta, Indonesia, selected using a purposive sampling. Data analyses were carried out using SEM utilizing IBM-SPSS-AMOS.&#x0D; &#x0D; Findings: The results of this study showed that there is no significant influence of resilience on happiness and academic stress.&#x0D; &#x0D; Contributions: This study contributes to the literature for the different findings obtained compared to the previous ones. The study has implications on students and university administrations in understanding the state of happiness in university environments.&#x0D; Keywords: Happiness, resilience, academic stress, higher education students.&#x0D; &#x0D; Cite as: Fatimah, M., Fitriana, N., &amp; Zaid, S. M. R. (2024). Resilience, academic stress, and happiness among higher education students. Journal of Nusantara Studies, 9(1), 53-73. http://dx.doi.org/10.24200/jonus.vol9iss1pp53-73

The role of coping strategies in subjective wellbeing indicators of non-profit workers

This study examines the relationship between coping styles, job satisfaction, and subjective wellbeing among non-profit (NPO) workers serving refugees. A sample of 228 paid and volunteer NPO workers based in Turkey was analysed, revealing generally high levels of job satisfaction and widespread utilisation of coping mechanisms. The most common coping strategies among NPO workers include social support, exercise, and prayer/spirituality. Interestingly, while no significant variations were found in happiness and life satisfaction scores based on coping strategies, there were significant differences in job satisfaction scores. Specifically, employing prayer/spirituality as a coping strategy is associated with higher levels of happiness, life satisfaction, and job satisfaction. These results suggest the potential benefits of incorporating prayer/spirituality into coping mechanisms within the NPO work. Conversely, workers who did not utilise any coping strategies reported the lowest levels of job satisfaction, highlighting the importance of employing coping strategies to enhance job satisfaction in NPO work.