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The cross-national pattern of happiness: Test of predictions implied in three theories of happiness

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Abstract

Predictions about level and dispersion of happiness in nations are derived from three theories of happiness: comparison-theory, folklore-theory and livability-theory. The predictions are tested on two cross national data-sets: a comparative survey among university students in 38 nations in 1985 and a collection of comparable general population surveys in 28 nations around 1980. Most predictions of comparison-theory and folklore-theory are defied by the data. The predictions of livability-theory are all confirmed.

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Veenhoven, R., Ehrhardt, J. The cross-national pattern of happiness: Test of predictions implied in three theories of happiness. Soc Indic Res 34, 33–68 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01078967

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