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Income and Subjective Well-Being: New Insights from Relatively Healthy American Women, Ages 49-79

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  • Grace Wyshak

Abstract

The interests of economists, psychologists, social scientists and others on the relations of income, demographics, religion and subjective well-being, have generated a vast global literature. It is apparent that biomedical research has focused on white with men. The Women’s Health Initiative and Observational Study (WHI OS) was initiated in 1992. The OS represents the scientific need for social priorities to improve the health and welfare of women; it includes 93.676 relatively healthy postmenopausal women, 49 to 79, from diverse backgrounds. The objective of this study is to examine how lifestyle and other factors influence women’s health. Data from the WHI OS questionnaire were analyzed. Statistical methods included descriptive statistics square, correlations, linear regression and analyses of covariance (GLM). New findings and insights relate primarily to general health, religion, club attendance, and likelihood of depression. The most important predictor of excellent or very good health is quality of life and general health is a major predictor of quality of life. A great deal of strength and comfort from religion was reported by 62.98% of the women, with little variation by denomination. More from religion related to poorer health, and less likelihood of depression. Religion and lower income are in accord with of across country studies. Attendance at clubs was associated with religion and with all factors associated with religion, except income. Though general health and likelihood of depression are highly correlated, better health is associated with higher income; however, likelihood of depression is not associated with income—contrary to conventional wisdom about socioeconomic disparities and mental health. Subjective well-being variables, with the exception of quality of life, were not associated with income. Social networks—religion and clubs—among a diverse population, warrant further attention from economists, psychologists, sociologists, and others.

Suggested Citation

  • Grace Wyshak, 2016. "Income and Subjective Well-Being: New Insights from Relatively Healthy American Women, Ages 49-79," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 11(2), pages 1-16, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0146303
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0146303
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Alexandra Cristina Sãžrbu & Mircea Asandului, 2021. "Determinants Of Subjective Well-Being Among Romanian Older Adults," Review of Economic and Business Studies, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University, Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, issue 28, pages 111-124, December.
    2. Achmad Kautsar & Dini Widiani & Ni Putu Mia Tarani & Grace Wulandari & Adiatma Y. M. Siregar, 2024. "Marriage and Economic Status as Predictors of Depressed Symptoms," Economics and Finance in Indonesia, Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Indonesia, vol. 70, pages 1-16, June.
    3. Govindamal Thangiah & Mas Ayu Said & Hazreen Abdul Majid & Daniel Reidpath & Tin Tin Su, 2020. "Income Inequality in Quality of Life among Rural Communities in Malaysia: A Case for Immediate Policy Consideration," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(23), pages 1-19, November.

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