Much research has been devoted to happiness defined as quality of life or, more precisely, as the subjective appreciation of ones own quality of life. The questionnaire used in these studies are simple, if not simplistic, and ask respondents such questions as, " are you very happy, happy, somewhat happy, unhappy, or very unhappy?" The subjects under consideration are then asked to provide information on their social and marital status, their income, their health, the landmark events of their lives, and so on.
The correlation are then analysed statistically. More recent studies are designed to monitor in real time the feelings experienced by people in their daily lives. According to Daniel Kahneman, a psychologist and nobel laureate, data obtained from such studies provide a more accurate estimate of subjective wellbeing, Because they are less distorted by biased memories and other artefacts.
these general surveys have found that the sense of happiness is higher in countries that ensure their inhabitants basic resources, greater security, or autonomy, and freedom, as well as sufficient educational opportunities and access to information. People manifestly happier in countries where personal freedoms are guaranteed and democracy secured. This is only to be expected; citizens are happier in a climate of peace. Regardless of economic conditions, those who live under military rule are unhappier.
Happiness rises with social involvement and participation in voluntary organisations, the practice of sports or music, and membership in leisure clubs. It is closely tied to the maintenance and quality of private relationships.
People who are married or cohabiting are in general, significantly happier than singles, widows and widowers or the divorced or separated living alone. As for the children of divided parents, they are twice as likely to experience a variety of social, psychological, or academic problems.
Happiness tends to be greater among those who have paying work. Death rate and incident of illness, depression, sucide, and alcoholism are notably higher among the unemployed. And yet housewives are no more dissatisfied than professionals. It is also interesting to note that retirement makes life not less satisfying, but rather more so. The elderly see their lives as slightly less present than those of the young, but they enjoy more stable over all satisfaction and feel more positive emotions.
