Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research - Research Publications

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LONGITUDINAL EVIDENCE FOR A MIDLIFE NADIR IN HUMAN WELL-BEING: RESULTS FROM FOUR DATA SETS

Cheng, TC ; Powdthavee, N ; Oswald, AJ (WILEY, 2017-02)

There is a large amount of cross-sectional evidence for a midlife low in the life cycle of human happiness and well-being (a 'U shape'). Yet no genuinely longitudinal inquiry has uncovered evidence for a U-shaped pattern. Thus, some researchers believe the U is a statistical artefact. We re-examine this fundamental cross-disciplinary question. We suggest a new test. Drawing on four data sets, and only within-person changes in well-being, we document powerful support for a U shape in longitudinal data (without the need for formal regression equations). The article's methodological contribution is to use the first-derivative properties of a well-being equation.
Longitudinal Evidence for a Midlife Nadir in Human Well‐Being: Results from Four Data Sets*

Cheng, TC ; Powdthavee, N ; Oswald, AJ (Oxford University Press (OUP), 2017-02-01)