Abstract
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.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 126-142 |
Number of pages | 17 |
Journal | The Economic Journal |
Volume | 127 |
Issue number | 599 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Feb 2017 |
Externally published | Yes |