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Why is Intelligence not Making You Happier?

Author

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  • Bianjing Ma

    (Zhejiang University of Finance and Economics)

  • Lei Chen

    (Zhejiang University of Finance and Economics)

Abstract

This study examines the association between cognitive ability and happiness and presents three main findings using a nationally representative sample from China. First, there is only a tiny and insignificant correlation between cognitive ability and happiness. Second, cognitive ability is not associated with greater expectations of worldly success or disregarding real life. Third, people with higher cognitive ability have advantages regarding objective physical and mental health, income level, and social status. Still, they tend to underestimate their relative socioeconomic position and have less confidence about their future, which inhibits their subjective well-being. This study contributes to understanding the new human capital theory and explores the underlying causes of perceptual bias in socioeconomic status.

Suggested Citation

  • Bianjing Ma & Lei Chen, 2024. "Why is Intelligence not Making You Happier?," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 25(1), pages 1-25, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jhappi:v:25:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1007_s10902-024-00722-1
    DOI: 10.1007/s10902-024-00722-1
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    Cited by:

    1. Ma, Bianjing & Chen, Lei & Wang, Xiaohui & Ding, Song, 2024. "Who benefits more from the digital economy: (Non-)Cognitive ability and the labor income premium," International Review of Economics & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 96(PB).
    2. Cheng, Zhiming & Wang, Haining & Yu, Xiaoyu & Zhang, Le, 2025. "From struggle to startup: How childhood socioeconomic status shapes entrepreneurial happiness," Economic Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 143(C).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity
    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making
    • I31 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - General Welfare, Well-Being

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