A Demonstration of Set-Points for Subjective Wellbeing

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    Author
    Cummins, RA; Li, N; Wooden, M; Stokes, M
    Date
    2014-02-15
    Source Title
    Journal of Happiness Studies
    Publisher
    Springer Nature
    University of Melbourne Author/s
    Li, Ning; Wooden, Mark
    Affiliation
    Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research
    Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute
    Metadata
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    Document Type
    Journal Article
    Citations
    Cummins, R. A., Li, N., Wooden, M. & Stokes, M. (2014). A Demonstration of Set-Points for Subjective Wellbeing. Journal of Happiness Studies, 15 (1), pp.183-206. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10902-013-9444-9.
    Access Status
    Open Access
    URI
    http://hdl.handle.net/11343/216692
    DOI
    10.1007/s10902-013-9444-9
    ARC Grant code
    ARC/DP1095497
    Abstract
    This paper presents evidence for the existence of ‘set-points’ for subjective wellbeing. Our results derive from a 10-year longitudinal study in which subjective wellbeing has been measured using a single question of general life satisfaction. The process of data analysis is driven by logic based on the theory of subjective wellbeing homeostasis. This analysis involves the iterative elimination of raw data, from 7,356 individual respondents, based on confidence limits. All results are projected onto a 0–100 point scale. We demonstrate evidence for the existence of set-points lying between 71 and 90 points, with an average set-point-range of 18–20 points for each person. The implications and limitations of these findings are discussed.

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