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Subjective well-being and social desirability

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  • Reisinger, James

Abstract

Survey measures of depression are increasingly used by economics researchers to provide a nuanced account of well-being. I show that levels of depression reported using such measures are significantly understated and levels of happiness significantly overstated in survey interviews conducted using a response mode that does not allow for anonymous reporting compared to a mode that does in three longitudinal surveys widely used in economics research. I exploit randomized assignment to survey mode, as well as panel methods, to show that this reflects the causal effect of survey mode, not selection. The difference in reported depression and happiness between modes is comparable to the difference between individuals in the 25th and 75th income percentiles. This finding suggests perceptions of social desirability may substantially bias measures of subjective well-being.

Suggested Citation

  • Reisinger, James, 2022. "Subjective well-being and social desirability," Journal of Public Economics, Elsevier, vol. 214(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:pubeco:v:214:y:2022:i:c:s0047272722001475
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jpubeco.2022.104745
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    Cited by:

    1. Leonardo Bursztyn & Ingar Haaland & Nicolas Röver & Christopher Roth & Ingar K. Haaland, 2025. "The Social Desirability Atlas," CESifo Working Paper Series 11911, CESifo.
    2. Djaker, Sharnic & Ganimian, Alejandro J. & Sabarwal, Shwetlena, 2024. "Out of sight, out of mind? The gap between students’ test performance and teachers’ estimations in India and Bangladesh," Economics of Education Review, Elsevier, vol. 102(C).
    3. Tomova, Georgia D & Silverwood, Richard J. & Wright, Liam, 2026. "Mode effects on survey item measurement: A systematic review of the experimental evidence," SocArXiv bc7qn_v1, Center for Open Science.
    4. David G. Blanchflower & Alex Bryson, 2026. "The mental health of the young in Asia and the Middle East: the importance of self-reports," Quality & Quantity: International Journal of Methodology, Springer, vol. 60(1), pages 965-993, February.
    5. repec:osf:socarx:gzt7a_v1 is not listed on IDEAS
    6. Di Francesco, Riccardo & Mellace, Giovanni, 2025. "Causal inference for qualitative outcomes," Economics Letters, Elsevier, vol. 256(C).

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    JEL classification:

    • D9 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics
    • C8 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Data Collection and Data Estimation Methodology; Computer Programs
    • I3 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty

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