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The Anatomy of Subjective Well-being

Author

Listed:
  • Bernard M.S. van Praag

    (University of Amsterdam)

  • P. Frijters

    (Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam)

  • A. Ferrer-i-Carbonell

    (SEO, Amsterdam Economics, University of Amsterdam)

Abstract

This paper contributes to the literature on subjective well-being (SWB) by taking into account different aspects of life, called domains, such as health, financial situation, job, leisure, housing, and environment. We postulate a two-layer model where individual total SWB depends on the different subjective domain satisfactions. A distinction is made between long-term and short-term effects. The individual domain satisfactions depend on objectively measurable variables, such as income. The model is estimated using a large German panel data set. This discussion paper resulted in a publication in the Journal of Economic Behavior and Organization .

Suggested Citation

  • Bernard M.S. van Praag & P. Frijters & A. Ferrer-i-Carbonell, 2002. "The Anatomy of Subjective Well-being," Tinbergen Institute Discussion Papers 02-022/3, Tinbergen Institute.
    • Handle: RePEc:tin:wpaper:20020022
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Subjective Well-Being; Satisfaction measurement; Qualitative regressors; Health satisfaction; Job satisfaction;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C23 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Models with Panel Data; Spatio-temporal Models
    • C25 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Discrete Regression and Qualitative Choice Models; Discrete Regressors; Proportions; Probabilities
    • I31 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - General Welfare, Well-Being

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