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How does inquisitiveness matter for generativity and happiness?

Author

Listed:
  • Junichi Hirose

    (Multidisciplinary Science Cluster, Collaborative Community Studies Unit, Kochi University)

  • Koji Kotani

    (School of Economics and Management, Kochi University of Technology)

Abstract

Inquisitiveness (curiosity & acceptance to something and someone different) is a main engine for one person to initiate some relation, and the literature has established that maintaining nice relationships with friends, family and general others contributes to generativity and happiness. However, little is known about how generativity and happiness are characterized by inquisitiveness. We hypothesize that inquisitiveness is a fundamental determinant for generativity and happiness, empirically examining the relationships along with cognitive, noncognitive and sociodemographic factors. We conduct questionnaire surveys with 400 Japanese subjects, applying quantile regression and structural equation modeling to the data. First, the analysis identifies the importance of inquisitiveness in characterizing generativity in that people with high inquisitiveness tend to be generative. Second, people are identified to be happy as they have high generativity and inquisitiveness, demonstrating two influential roles of inquisitiveness as direct and indirect determinants through a mediator of generativity. Overall, the results suggest that inquisitiveness shall be a key element of people’s happiness through intergenerational and intragenerational communications or relations.

Suggested Citation

  • Junichi Hirose & Koji Kotani, 2021. "How does inquisitiveness matter for generativity and happiness?," Working Papers SDES-2021-3, Kochi University of Technology, School of Economics and Management, revised May 2021.
    • Handle: RePEc:kch:wpaper:sdes-2021-3
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    File URL: http://www.souken.kochi-tech.ac.jp/seido/wp/SDES-2021-3.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    inquisitiveness; generativity; happiness;
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