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The relationship between education and happiness: Findings from the North Central and Northeast Regions / Research Brief

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  • Bednarik, Zuzana

Abstract

This paper analyzes how education and other demographic characteristics are associated with the level of happiness in two geographical regions: the North Central Region and the Northeast Region. Using cross-sectional data from two regional datasets, NCR-Stat: Caregiving Survey and NER-Stat: Caregiving Survey, potential disparities between the regions in the impact of education on happiness are examined. The results suggest that education has direct and indirect (through income) effects on happiness. The direct effect shows that respondents with higher education are more likely to report higher levels of happiness in both regions but at different rates. Location and other demographic characteristics influence an individual’s happiness and reduce the direct effect and significance of education, although differently, in both regions. Income might contribute more to happiness levels in both regions than education. However, regional disparities were identified as education lost its explanatory power of happiness only in the NCR.

Suggested Citation

  • Bednarik, Zuzana, 2024. "The relationship between education and happiness: Findings from the North Central and Northeast Regions / Research Brief," NCR-Stat Discussion Papers 344483, North Central Regional Center for Rural Development (NCRCRD).
    • Handle: RePEc:ags:ncrcrd:344483
    DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.344483
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    3. Wan-chi Chen, 2012. "How Education Enhances Happiness: Comparison of Mediating Factors in Four East Asian Countries," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 106(1), pages 117-131, March.
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