Happiness More About Schools and Climate Than Family and Friends

A new survey reveals that people feel external factors like weather and stable jobs have more of an effect on their happiness than more personal factors like religion and family.

1 minute read

December 18, 2009, 2:00 PM PST

By Tim Halbur

"Researchers found that states that are ranked highly in objective quality-of-life measures (Wyoming, South Dakota, and Arkansas) also have the highest average levels of self-reported satisfaction.

While some might wonder why a large, costly study is needed to show what sounds like common sense, key research experts say this is the first time that research has combined the two variables – objective and subjective – in ways that can aid public policy makers, real estate agents, community builders, and others in tangible ways."

FULL STORY: Is happiness linked to quality-of-life factors like climate?

Friday, December 18, 2009 in The Christian Science Monitor

Social / Demographics United States Happiness

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