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Convergence and Divergence in the Determinants of Happiness: A Dual-STATIS Analysis of Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru (2006–2022)

Author

Listed:
  • Enrique Ferruzola-Gomez

    (Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad Agraria del Ecuador, Guayaquil 090102, Guayas, Ecuador)

  • Luis Brito-Gaona

    (Facultad de Ciencias Empresariales, Universidad Técnica de Machala, Machala 070210, El Oro, Ecuador)

  • Jorge Guido Sotomayor-Pereira

    (Facultad de Ciencias Empresariales, Universidad Técnica de Machala, Machala 070210, El Oro, Ecuador)

  • Marco Faytong-Haro

    (Facultad de Investigación, Universidad Estatal de Milagro, Milagro 091050, Guayas, Ecuador
    Instituto de Investigación, Universidad Agraria del Ecuador, Guayaquil 090102, Guayas, Ecuador)

  • Patricio Alvarez-Muñoz

    (Universidad Agraria del Ecuador, Guayaquil 090102, Guayas, Ecuador
    Facultad de Ciencias Sociales, Educación Comercial y Derecho FACSECYD, Universidad Estatal de Milagro, Milagro 091050, Guayas, Ecuador)

Abstract

This study examined the temporal evolution of happiness determinants in the Andean region using the dual-STATIS method, a multivariate technique that captures structural patterns over time. By analyzing data from the World Happiness Report for Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru from 2006 to 2022, this study identified key trends in subjective well-being. The findings revealed a three-phase evolution in covariation structures, highlighting significant correlations between well-being and factors such as gross domestic product per capita (r = 0.536, p < 0.05) and social support (r = 0.597, p < 0.05). Healthy life expectancy showed strong temporal stability (r = 0.912, p < 0.05), while perceptions of corruption influenced both positive (r = −0.402, p < 0.05) and negative (r = 0.407, p < 0.05) emotions. The analysis identifies country-specific patterns, with Peru exhibiting the highest weight in the common structure (0.85), followed by Ecuador (0.75), and Colombia (0.70). The dual-STATIS methodology, validated through bootstrapping and cross-validation, confirmed the robustness of these relationships. These findings suggest that while certain determinants of happiness converge across the three countries, national-specific factors continue to shape trends in well-being. This study underscores the need for tailored public policies that account for both regional integration and country-specific social, economic, and institutional conditions.

Suggested Citation

  • Enrique Ferruzola-Gomez & Luis Brito-Gaona & Jorge Guido Sotomayor-Pereira & Marco Faytong-Haro & Patricio Alvarez-Muñoz, 2025. "Convergence and Divergence in the Determinants of Happiness: A Dual-STATIS Analysis of Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru (2006–2022)," Societies, MDPI, vol. 15(8), pages 1-19, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsoctx:v:15:y:2025:i:8:p:230-:d:1727514
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    4. Daniel M. Gropper, Robert A. Lawson, and Jere T. Thorne Jr., 2011. "Economic Freedom and Happiness," Cato Journal, Cato Journal, Cato Institute, vol. 31(2), pages 237-255, Spring/Su.
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