Happiness In World Research Articles

Hidden challenges to happiness: A cross-sectional study of Western Maharashtra, India

Abstract Background and Objectives: Individual happiness and well-being are the most essential components of quality of life. For the last few years, the United Nations General Assembly has annually published the World Happiness Report, and the ranking of India has repeatedly fallen to an alarming level where the country’s position remains below 100 nations in these surveys. Hence, this study was carried out to uncover the associated sociodemographic and lifestyle-related factors for happiness and well-being in the general population of Sangli district, Western Maharashtra, India. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a questionnaire among willing adults in the Sangli district. Section A regarding the sociodemographic data; Section B is the evaluation of lifestyle-related factors; and Section C contains a 29-item Oxford Happiness Questionnaire scale for assessing personal happiness. Microsoft Office 365 and SPSS-22 software were used to analyze data. Results: Out of the 679 participants, 61.9% of 420 people were not happy or somewhat unhappy, 34% were satisfied, and only 4.1% were happy. Participants were significantly unhappy despite having reliable and trustworthy friends and even after taking a complete rest. Multivariate analysis showed age, per capita income, occupation, and education are significant predictors of the happiness index score. Interpretation and Conclusion: People did not experience happiness after several favorable situations. Happiness is complex and subjective; it is very challenging to capture fully with a single index or questionnaire.

Choosing a Path of Life According to the Concept of Human Nature in Education

This research will discuss why there are still deviations committed by believers in qadha and qadar without awakening their enthusiasm to pursue happiness in this world and the hereafter. The approach used in this research is a qualitative descriptive approach to describe situations or phenomena by examining symptoms, information or result information during the research process using the document study method. Literature research data collection methods consisting of daily articles, textbooks, handbooks, archives and regulations and journals, etc. Researchers analyze the influence of belief in qada' and qadar and impose it on ghiroh to carry out a transformation of its exclusive destiny within the scope of Islamic religious education. The results of this research indicate that the occurrence of behavioral deviations carried out by believers in qadha and qadar who have not awakened their enthusiasm to pursue happiness in this world and the hereafter is due to a wrong understanding of faith in qadha and qadar, because the stronger their faith, the more enthusiastic they will be in pursuing worldly happiness. in the afterlife, with intelligence being able to develop and think clearly to consider, decide and face things by focusing on the problems faced with brilliant solutions, so that it will form a personality that is confident, not worried, brave, optimistic, full of hope.

The Philosophy of Happiness: Eastern Vs. Western Perspectives

This paper examines the philosophical understandings of happiness as conceptualized in Eastern and Western traditions. It delves into their historical trajectories, key tenets, and cultural underpinnings. While Western philosophy often associates happiness with virtues, rationality, and individual autonomy, rooted in ancient Greece and Enlightenment ideals, Eastern traditions emphasize holistic well-being, interconnectedness, and spiritual enlightenment as seen in Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism. Through a comparative analysis, the study highlights how these perspectives converge and diverge in addressing the human pursuit of happiness. Finally, it reflects on the contemporary relevance of these philosophies, proposing an integrated view that bridges cultural divides and enriches the understanding of happiness in an interconnected world. Keywords: Happiness, Eastern Philosophy, Western Philosophy, Virtue Ethics, Enlightenment, Interconnectedness.

Were COVID and the Great Recession well-being reducing?

Using micro-data on six surveys-the Gallup World Poll 2005-2023, the U.S. Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 1993-2022, Eurobarometer 1991-2022, the UK Covid Social Survey Panel, 2020-2022, the European Social Survey 2002-2020 and the IPSOS Happiness Survey 2018-2023 -we show individuals' reports of subjective wellbeing in Europe declined in the Great Recession of 2008/9 and during the Covid pandemic of 2020-2021 on most measures. They also declined in four countries bordering Ukraine after the Russian invasion in 2022. However, the movements are not large and are not apparent everywhere. We also used data from the European Commission's Business and Consumer Surveys on people's expectations of life in general, their financial situation and the economic and employment situation in the country. All of these dropped markedly in the Great Recession and during Covid, but bounced back quickly, as did firms' expectations of the economy and the labor market. Neither the annual data from the United Nation's Human Development Index (HDI) nor data used in the World Happiness Report from the Gallup World Poll shifted much in response to negative shocks. The HDI has been rising in the last decade reflecting overall improvements in economic and social wellbeing, captured in part by real earnings growth, although it fell slightly after 2020 as life expectancy dipped. This secular improvement is mirrored in life satisfaction which has been rising in the last decade. However, so too have negative affect in Europe and despair in the United States.

The Interplay of Happiness and Sustainability: A Multidimensional Scaling and K-Means Cluster Approach

This study examines the intricate relationship between national happiness and sustainability by analyzing data from the 2024 World Happiness Report (WHR) and the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Index across 74 countries. Employing multidimensional scaling (MDS) and K-means clustering, we investigate the interplay of economic, social, and environmental factors that contribute to subjective well-being. Our results indicate that high-income countries, particularly those characterized by secular–rational values, tend to achieve elevated scores in both happiness and sustainability. In contrast, lower-income nations exhibit diverse cultural value systems that significantly influence their happiness and sustainability outcomes. This analysis identifies distinct clusters of countries with unique governance and cultural profiles, underscoring the inadequacies of traditional economic indicators in measuring societal well-being. By integrating sustainability metrics into happiness assessments, we propose a comprehensive framework for understanding and promoting human happiness. These findings offer critical insights for policymakers aiming to address pressing global challenges, including inequality and health disparities.

The Contribution of Applicable Smart and Sustainable Technologies in Recreation to City Happiness

We are aware that the efficient use of time is important for individuals. However, the fact that urban dwellers trying to live in cities have limited free time to spare for themselves creates difficulties in terms of the development of social well-being. The presence of technology, which has recently developed in the world, in our individual lives is indisputable. However, the long transportation times of individuals living in the city during the day is an important factor that causes the lack of free time periods. Matching the presence of technology with smart equipment that urban dwellers can enjoy and use in a sustainable way at appropriate points in cities will contribute to the happiness of society. This formation will actually provide us with the opportunity to transform technological renewal in cities into happy cities. For this reason, both the concrete existence of the concepts of smart city and happy city in 4 major cities of the world (Istanbul, Indiana, Amsterdam, Shanghai) and their reflections on the city dwellers are examined. Through interviews with the relevant people who serve the concepts of smart designs, technologies, recreational equipment and happy cities in the cities and concrete data, comparative sources of information on recreational technologies, sustainable and happy cities are provided. These sources consist of people who provide services on recreational technologies and services in the mentioned cities. The purpose of the sample group is to obtain information about city recreational technology studies from people who serve recreational city technologies, as well as to examine their views on city technologies and city happiness. In our study; the reflected and measurable (United Nations World Happiness Reports) dimensions of the concept of happy city are tried to be put forward in a scientific sense by comparing the examples created in cities and their reflections. In my 3rd TİK report on the thesis, the purpose of the study, the research model, the tools used to obtain data in the research, purposive sampling, research reliability, analysis, thematic coding information, ethical evaluation and the sample group information of this study applied online to 4 countries in 3 different continents, the table of research cities information and the findings (maxqda maps) graphics were added. In addition, general information about the concepts of leisure, recreation, smart city and happy city, which constitute the main theme of the research, is included.

The Influence of Financial Well-Being on Happiness and Financial Decision Making in Indonesia

Previous studies have investigated the effect of financial well-being on happiness, and emotions on financial decision making, but there were not many that have combined both. This research aims to reveal the effect of financial well-being on happiness, and the effect of happiness on financial decision-making among Indonesians. Source of financial well-being, province, and gender are included as moderating variables to the relationship between financial well-being and happiness. The analysis examined primary data from a sample of 152 respondents across the country with PLS-SEM and secondary data from World Happiness Report, GDP/capita, amount of saving in general bank and retirement saving for Indonesians with regression. Based on analysis on the primary and secondary data, financial well-being has positive correlation with happiness, and happiness has positive correlation with financial decisions. However, based on analysis from the primary data, there are no effect from all moderating variables. This research adds to the literature of financial well-being, happiness, and financial decision making, and its findings also provide opportunities for future research within the fields.

The research on the factors affecting the World Happiness index

Abstract. The purpose of this study was to use data from the World Happiness Report to conduct an in-depth analysis of the factors that influence the World Happiness Index (WHI) and to look for other factors that may influence happiness. In this paper, the correlation graph shows that among the original six variables, Social Support has the strongest correlation with the ladder score, which means that Social Support has the greatest impact on the happiness index, followed by GDP per capita; Generosity, on the other hand, was the weakest associated with ladder scores and had the least effect on happiness. Then the linear regression and scatter plot are used to prove this conclusion. Therefore, this paper can consider whether to delete Generosity as an influential factor. A map was then used to show happiness levels and geographical distribution in different countries. At the same time, the distribution of the Gini coefficient is also shown by a regional distribution map. From the perspective of the Gini coefficient and education level, these two factors also have a certain positive correlation with the happiness index, which are likely to be the potential influencing factors of the happiness index. From a global map perspective, the happiest countries are mostly located in Europe, North America and Oceania, while the happiest countries are mostly located in Africa. The study's sample size was not large enough, it was prone to make errors and raise questions about happiness scores in some countries.

Examining the Impacts of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) on National Development and Wellbeing: A Global Perspective

The impacts of information and communications technology (ICT) on national development and wellbeing is a current research issue. By integrating four World Bank datasets and World Happiness Report’s global wellbeing dataset, this study analyzes the impacts of ICT on national development and wellbeing in 124 economies. There are several significant findings based on multiple regression analysis. First, Internet, mobile, and broadband subscription rates are significant predictors for logged GDP per capita. Second, broadband subscription rate is a significant predictor for perceptions of corruption. Third, Internet and broadband penetration rates are significant predictors for subjective wellbeing, social support and healthy life expectancy. Finally, fixed broadband and fixed telephone subscription rates are significant predictors for freedom to make life choices. Interestingly, fixed telephone subscription rate inversely predicts freedom to make life choices. The findings of this study bring updated insights into ICT impacts on national development and wellbeing around the world.

Does the intensity of conflict-Induced internal displacement influence national happiness scores?

ABSTRACT Recognizing that internal displacement is a global humanitarian catastrophe, this article seeks to examine whether or not conflict-induced internal displacement affects a country’s happiness scores. Results were drawn from 35 nations with complete data reported in eight world indexes including the Global Report on Internal Displacement 2023 and the World Happiness Report 2023. Datasets were analyzed for linear regression and path analysis. Among others, results show that while the intensity of internal displacement (represented in terms of the number of internally displaced persons per country) is positively linked to country-level peace perceptions, the same is not influential to the overall domestic happiness scores. In other words, happiness perceptions, at the national level, seem to be unaffected by the intensity of conflict-induced internal displacement. Hence, countries with cases of conflict-induced internal displacement may be seen as less peaceful but not necessarily less happy.

Relationship Between Happiness, Culture, Socio-Economic Status, And Religious Coping Among Muslim Women Students Residing In Sokoto State, Nigeria

The goal of happiness is to have a stress-free and functional society. Yet, stress from cultural and socio-economic factors may arise when Muslim women student’s issues are discussed within society practices; which has resulted in illiteracy in Nigeria due to low enrolment attendance and school completion rates. Despite this, the World Happiness Report (WHR, 2023) ranked Nigeria as 95th happiest country in the world, and the fifth happiest country in Africa. Nevertheless, not many researches on happiness among Muslim women students in Northern Nigeria have been reported. This study investigated the relationship between happiness, culture, socio-economic status (SES), and religious coping, among Muslim women students at the Women Centre for Continuing Education (WCCE), in Sokoto, Northern Nigeria. A total number of 269 Muslim women students were selected to participate in this study using purposive random sampling. Instruments namely Orientation to Happiness Scale (OHS), Cultural Questionnaire for Women, (CQW), Socio-Economic Status Scale (SESS), Islamic Religious Coping Scale (RCOPE) were used for data collection. The total Cronbach’s alpha Coefficiency was 0.937, which was found to be reliable. The results were analysed using Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). The measurement model was evaluated using items loading of average variance extracted (AVE) and composite reliability (CR). The findings of this study showed that the direct relationship of culture, socio-economic status and religious coping towards happiness were significant. As a conclusion, this study provides useful information for counsellors who can assist their clients in improving and maintaining their positive religious coping practices, as well as their ability to encounter positive feelings, engage in Islamic practices, have a meaningful life, and cope with stressors. Future research on happiness in other Northern states of Nigeria is recommended.

Duration in power and happiness in the world

AbstractThis article examines the effect of leader longevity in power on world happiness. To make the assessment, a sample composed of 135 countries observed over the period 2006 to 2018 was constituted. The results obtained from OLS estimates show that longevity in power reduces individual happiness. Furthermore, the negative effect is more amplified in democratic countries. Quantile regression reveals variability in the effect over the different intervals. These results are robust to the use of alternative estimation techniques. We also identify the quality of institutions and public spending as two potential transmission channels through which longevity in power influences well‐being. These results invite political authorities to respect constitutional limits or implement constitutional reforms with the aim of limiting the duration of the mandate of the executive in order to reduce the harmful effect of an extension of the latter on individuals' well‐being.Related ArticlesFlavin, Patrick, Alexander C. Pacek, and Benjamin Radcliff. 2011. “State Intervention and Subjective Well‐Being in Advanced Industrial Democracies.” Politics & Policy 39(2): 251–69. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2011.00290.x.Jakubow, Alexander. 2014. “State Intervention and Life Satisfaction Reconsidered: The Role of Governance Quality and Resource Misallocation.” Politics & Policy 42(1): 3–36. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12057.Kim, Hae S. 2017. “Patterns of Economic Development: Correlations Affecting Economic Growth and Quality of Life in 222 Countries.” Politics & Policy 45(1): 83–104. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12190.

Subjective well-being and attitudes toward outgroup members

There is a large body of literature on the effect of negative attitudes toward outgroup members on target individuals and groups. However, less attention was devoted to their effects on those who hold these attitudes. The current study hypothesized that there would be a bidirectional relationship between subjective well-being and attitudes toward outgroup members. In Study 1, data from the Integrated Values Surveys, the Ecology-Culture Dataset, and the World Happiness Report 2022 were used. In Study 2, a random intercept cross-lagged panel model was implemented using longitudinal data over a six-year period from the GESIS Panel (n = 6783 people living in Germany). Results of Study 1 demonstrated a significant negative relationship between subjective well-being and negative attitudes toward outgroup members both at the country level (118 countries) and at the individual level (663,965 participants in 120 countries around the world). In Study 2, a random intercept cross-lagged panel model revealed significant within-person reciprocal relations between life satisfaction and negative attitudes toward refugees. This study provides evidence for a bidirectional relationship between subjective well-being and negative attitudes toward outgroup members.

Konsep Manusia Dan Kebahagiaan

Humans are one of the many creatures created by God who are given many advantages over other creatures, apart from being special, humans are also unique and complete creatures. Every human being in his life will have aspirations to achieve happiness. Human happiness cannot be measured by worldly things, worldly happiness is temporary. To obtain true happiness, humans must rely on the Islamic way of life, namely the Qur'an and Hadith, which prioritize the goal of happiness in the afterlife and is the main happiness compared to other happiness, because it is haqiqi (eternal). The source of true happiness in Islam is tranquility. heart and soul comfort, in order to obtain the peace in question, Muslims must first increase their faith in Allah SWT, because faith in the heart will create inner and outer calm and happiness. With trials in the world, humans will always be calm because if they are tested with goodness they will be grateful and if they are tested with evil they will be patient. Both will receive rewards. So people don't need to be sad if they haven't found happiness in this world, as long as they always prepare life provisions for happiness in the hereafter.

A multifaceted ecological approach to explore links between environmental factors and the epidemiology of disorders of gut-brain interaction.

Disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBI) are characterized by debilitating symptoms not explained by structural or biochemical abnormalities. While functional conditions present with complex, likely heterogeneous pathophysiology, we aimed to investigate if proxy measures of sociocultural and environmental factors are associated with the prevalence of various DGBI in populations across the world. We performed an ecological study utilizing peer-reviewed published datasets reporting for 26 countries prevalence rates of DGBI (Rome Foundation Global Epidemiology Study, RFGES), with six independent variables: Helicobacter pylori prevalence and household size as proxy measures for orofecal infections, gross domestic product per capita (GDP), and median age as a proxy measures for socioeconomic development, density of fast food outlets (FFO) per 100,000 population as proxy measure for processed food exposure, and suicide mortality rate per 100,000 people, and world happiness scores were used as a proxy for psychological stress. The data were retrieved from publicly accessible datasets (United Nations, CIA World Factbook, World Bank, World Happiness Report, commercial/financial reports of a global FFO chain). We used linear regression to assess variables in univariate and multivariate analysis and report standardized β coefficients with 95% confidence intervals (CI). The regression model revealed that the overall prevalence of DGBI was inversely associated with both GDP per capita (β = -0.57, 95% CI: -0.92, -0.22, p = 0.002) and happiness scores (β = -0.433 95% CI: 0.821, -0.065, p = 0.023), while being positively associated with H. pylori prevalence (β = 0.40, 95% CI: 0.008, 0.81, p = 0.046). The prevalence of functional constipation (FC) was also inversely associated with GDP per capita (β = -0.50, 95% CI: -0.86, -0.13, p = 0.01) and happiness scores (β = -0.497, 95% CI: -0.863, -0.132, p = 0.01), while being positively associated with H. pylori prevalence (β = 0.53, 95% CI: 0.16, 0.91, p = 0.007). The Multivariate model analysis revealed that combining the factors of H. pylori prevalence, suicide rate, household size and happiness scores showed statistically significant association with FC (p = 0.039). Household size (β = -0.43, 95% CI: -0.82, 0.038, p = 0.033) and suicide rates (β = 0.55, 95% CI: 0.19, 0.90, p = 0.004) were statistically significantly associated with functional diarrhea. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) was associated with GDP per capita (β = -0.40, 95% CI: -0.79, -0.014, p = 0.043) and happiness scores (β = -0.390, 95% CI: -0.778, -0.003, p = 0.049). Utilizing publicly available data, the prevalence of DGBI across diverse countries is linked to various socio-cultural and environmental factors. Collectively, the data suggests that the prevalence of DGBI is increased in less prosperous regions of the world.

A multidimensional assessment of global flourishing: Differential rankings of 145 Countries on 38 wellbeing indicators in the Gallup World Poll, with an accompanying principal components analyses of the structure of flourishing

ABSTRACT For over ten years the World Happiness Report has influentially ranked nations on self-reported life evaluation as measured by the Gallup World Poll. Inspired by this endeavour, this paper aims to broaden our understanding of global flourishing by assessing an expansive battery of 38 items relating to wellbeing in the World Poll, encompassing 386,654 people in 145 countries over three years (2020–2022). The variation in the respective placing of countries across different items reveals a complex picture of flourishing, with many nations ranking highly on certain metrics but faring poorly on others. Additionally, principal components analyses of the items produced a conceptualization of flourishing featuring numerous dimensions (with both a three- and six-factor solution being viable). Together, these findings paint a nuanced picture of both the multifaceted nature of flourishing and its complex manifestations around the world.

Role of Physical Activity in Positive Psychology Perspective

Throughout the history of humanity, the question of what constitutes a good life has been a significant topic. Various philosophers have attributed different meanings to the concepts of well-being and happiness. Some associate a good life with a list of virtues, while others emphasize the importance of pleasurable feelings. Positive psychology emerged as an approach that emphasizes well-being and acknowledges happiness as a fundamental goal. The concept of well-being is defined in various ways to describe a positive state experienced by individuals and societies. Well-being encompasses both hedonic and eudaimonic approaches. Positive psychology utilizes scientific methods to understand well-being and examine the nature of happiness. According to the World Happiness Report, Turkey's low ranking in the international evaluation of happiness levels indicates a need for improvement in well-being areas. Globally, identifying the factors that can enhance happiness and quality of life, especially in countries that rank lower, is crucial for societies. Public policies and strategies need to focus on promoting happiness and well-being to enhance the welfare level of society. There is growing evidence that physical activity increases happiness levels and improves quality of life. Therefore, physical activity promotion may be an effective strategy for increasing happiness levels and has important potential for supporting societal well-being.

Multidimensional Exploration of Happiness: A Comprehensive Analysis of Social, Economic, Psychological, and Other Factors

This paper provides an in-depth look at the various factors that influence the World Happiness Index and the extent to which these factors influence the Global Happiness Index. By analyzing several aspects of the study, including factors such as economy, social support, health, freedom, honesty and corruption perception, and generosity, the unique role of these elements in constructing the happiness index is revealed. The study found that there are significant differences in these factors across countries and regions, which directly impacts their overall happiness index rankings. By gaining a deeper understanding of the degree of influence of each factor, we can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the mechanism of happiness formation around the world, which provides an important reference for the formulation of happiness-enhancing policies and measures. This research provides insights for promoting global well-being and building happier and better societies.

Psychological flexibility in the face of potential adversity: Examining wellness among gay and heterosexual men.

This work expands the theoretical model on the pursuit of happiness in a hostile world, which concerns individuals' coping processes in the face of life adversity while focusing on psychological flexibility, regarded as an adaptive strategy presenting co-occurrence of converse experiences. Psychological flexibility was operationalized by concurrent, positive, and negative affect as well as by differing modes of coping (negative and positive engagement) related to the concept of a hostile-world scenario. The adaptive role of psychological flexibility was examined among Israeli gay men, a sexual minority that deals with unique hardships. Gay men (N = 474, aged 18-84) were pair-matched with equivalent 474 presumably heterosexual men on core sociodemographic variables. Questionnaires assessed the participants' psychological flexibility and psychological wellness as indicated by self-rated health, life satisfaction, depressive symptoms, and neuroticism. The results showed a positive association between psychological flexibility and psychological wellness. Moreover, this association was stronger among gay compared to heterosexual men. In conclusion, the endurance of contradictory experiences may facilitate the adjustment to complex life challenges of sexual minorities. Therefore, researchers and clinicians working with sexual minorities are encouraged to examine coping strategies that enhance psychological flexibility by addressing the adaptational benefits embedded in the coactivation of positive and negative experiences. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Trust as a Determinant of Subjective Well-Being in Russia

The article considers social trust as a key element in the structure of social capital. Based on the results of international and Russian research, the role of trust in socioeconomic development and its impact on subjective life satisfaction is revealed. We discuss the circumstances of the “trust deficit” as a possible reason for Russia’s significant lag behind the leading countries in world happiness ratings. The data sources for our empirical research are the Russia Longitudinal Monitoring Survey – Higher School of Economics (RLMS-HSE) and the World Values Survey. In our empirical analysis, special attention is paid to overcoming the problem of endogeneity, which arises as a result of two-way causal relationships between trust and happiness. The hypothesis of a significant positive effect of generalized social trust on life satisfaction in Russia is confirmed by the results of econometric modelling. Our results fit into the broad context of international studies of the social capital impact on subjective assessments of the quality of life. Based on Russian data, we confirm the conclusion that the impact of increasing social capital on subjective well-being across the whole society is strongly positive. The conclusion of our work concerns the possibility of raising the subjective well-being of Russians by improving informal institutions by means of social trust strengthening.