LONGITUDINAL EVIDENCE FOR A MIDLIFE NADIR IN HUMAN WELL-BEING: RESULTS FROM FOUR DATA SETS

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Cheng, Terence C.; Powdthavee, Nattavudh; Oswald, Andrew J.
• 署名单位: University of Melbourne; University of London; London School Economics & Political Science; University of Warwick
• 刊物名称: ECONOMIC JOURNAL
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0013-0133
• DOI: 10.1111/ecoj.12256
• 发表日期: 2017
• 页码: 126-142
• 关键词: period-cohort model; life satisfaction; u-shape; job-satisfaction; AGE; happiness; cycle; panel; CRISIS

摘要

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.