Happiness notation
Well-being concept
Well-being is a complex concept closely tied to happiness, often defined by our connections and relationships that provide meaning to our lives Close personal relationships offer familiarity, belonging, and support, which are crucial for our well-being, while isolation can lead to significant distress (Eckersley, 2004) Nic Marks (2007) further elaborates on this by encapsulating well-being in the phrase “Doing well - feeling good” and “Doing good - feeling well,” highlighting the dual aspects of well-being that emphasize both personal fulfillment and positive social contributions.
‘Doing-well’ expresses the material or the objective dimension of one’s welfare or standard of living, suggesting economic prosperity groundwork In another side,
The phrase "feeling good" highlights the subjective nature of personal happiness and satisfaction, while "doing good-feeling well" supports the claims made in this paper, particularly in the context of developing countries This indicates that moral dimensions, often intertwined with religious beliefs and cultural values, play a crucial role in human life Therefore, well-being encompasses more than just "the good life"; it involves "living a good life." This concept extends beyond individual preferences to reflect deeper core values, emphasizing an understanding of one's place in the world and the significance of relationships with others (White, 2008).
Object and subject well-being
According to Conceiỗóo and Bandura (2008), the concept of well-being can be categorized into two approaches: subjective and objective The subjective approach assesses well-being through observable indicators like social, economic, and environmental statistics, using cardinal measures for indirect valuation In contrast, the objective approach is based on assumptions regarding human needs and rights, traditionally focusing on material well-being as measured by income or GDP Recent methodologies have sought to enhance this by incorporating multidimensional well-being measures that go beyond economic metrics, such as including environmental and social factors that are often excluded from GDP calculations (Sumner, 2006; McGillivray, 2007).
The objective approach to assessing national well-being has significant limitations, as it necessitates that researchers determine the most crucial indicators for evaluation and monitoring before making any judgments.
Subjective measures of well-being (SWB) provide a direct assessment of individuals' experiences and feelings, allowing for a more authentic estimation of their well-being through ordinal measures Unlike objective approaches, SWB avoids preconceived notions about what defines a good life and mitigates paternalistic assumptions regarding factors that influence personal well-being.
The 2010 survey effectively gathers individuals' perspectives on their well-being, enabling them to evaluate their own quality of life.
Three dimensions theory
White gives another approach to measuring well-being The paper claimed that:”
The notion of an 'objective' understanding of well-being is challenging to uphold within a person-centered framework, as every individual, including officials and academics, perceives and articulates their views from a specific standpoint, lacking a truly unbiased perspective Furthermore, concepts of well-being are largely shaped by distinct social and cultural contexts, indicating that a 'pure objective' definition cannot exist independently of any society or culture.
The concept of well-being encompasses both material and intangible elements, highlighting the intrinsic connection between them While standard of living and material welfare are essential components of happiness, they are not the sole determinants According to Sen (1991), aspects such as justice, rights, security, and freedom take precedence in the pursuit of a fulfilling life, emphasizing the multifaceted nature of human well-being.
According to WeD (2008) approach, White has introduced “three dimensions of well-being” model
Figure 1- Three dimensions of well-being
Source: White S.C., (2008): But what is well-being? A framework for analysis in social and development policy and practice WeD working (p) 17
The triangular image symbolizes the interconnectedness of three essential components of well-being, highlighting their interdependence; each element relies on the others for its existence This visual representation emphasizes that without one element, the others cannot thrive, illustrating the importance of a balanced relationship among them.
The "subjective" dimension in this figure highlights that the "subject" is initially shaped by social and cultural aspects of well-being However, the significance of these dimensions may evolve over time based on the context and the priorities of the audience Importantly, the three dimensions of well-being presented are likely to interact with other established discussions, and in some cases, they may even overlap significantly.
With each concept, the explanation could be simply perceptible At first, the material dimensions of well-being mention real objects which directly construct
Human capital encompasses essential capabilities like health and education, while other forms of capital include material, natural, physical, and financial assets Additionally, common property resources play a crucial role, as they provide individuals with the means to enhance their capabilities.
The relational dimensions of well-being encompass intimate relationships, such as romantic partnerships and familial care, while also being shaped by social capital elements like labor unions and trade organizations Additionally, interactions with local authorities and their services, including policies, legal frameworks, and social welfare programs, play a significant role in influencing overall well-being.
The subjective dimensions of well-being focus on individuals' perceptions of what they consider valuable and good, their feelings about their lives, and the lifelong desires they pursue This aspect plays a crucial role in shaping individual happiness, although it remains influenced by other dimensions of well-being.
According to Prinz and Bünger (2012), fulfilling basic needs is essential for individuals, as reducing the time spent on these necessities can lead to increased productivity This heightened productivity can result in greater wealth, allowing individuals to allocate more time towards pursuing happiness and enhancing their overall well-being.
In psychology, subjective well-being (SWB), life satisfaction, and happiness are related but distinct concepts While happiness is a narrower term, both life satisfaction and happiness are considered components of SWB Life satisfaction reflects the gap between an individual's expectations and their reality, whereas happiness is derived from the balance between positive and negative emotions Understanding these nuances is essential for a comprehensive view of well-being.
Subjective well-being (SWB) is often equated with the notion of "being happy," while terms like "satisfaction" and "happiness" are viewed as expressions of "feeling happy." Although economists have long used "happiness" and "life satisfaction" interchangeably as indicators of subjective well-being, it is essential to recognize the nuanced differences between these concepts.
Despite ongoing debates about the true definition of "happiness," subjective well-being (SWB) data serves as a valuable tool for assessing happiness and life satisfaction, as these concepts are closely related.
Conceptual framework
Based on the literature review and the objectives of this study, a conceptual framework has been developed, illustrated in Figure 2 This diagram outlines the interconnections among three key groups of factors—material, demographic, and social determinants—contributing to happiness or subjective well-being (SWB) through a three-dimensional approach.
Social capital and quality of institutions
Determinants of Happiness
Happiness and Social Determinants
Socio-economic Overview of Binh Dinh province
Although affected by the global economic recession, the economy of the Binh Dinh province for the period of 2006 - 2010 -continued to increase, year after year
In recent years, Binh Dinh province has experienced significant socio-economic developments, particularly in education, health, culture, and social welfare This chapter aims to present a detailed overview of the province's social and economic achievements, serving as a foundation for further exploration.
Overview of Economics factors
The gross domestic product (GDP) has experienced an impressive average annual growth of 10.7%, with industry and construction sectors leading at 15.2%, followed by services at 11.2%, and agriculture, forestry, and fisheries at 7.1% Industrial production value has also risen significantly, averaging 15.7% per year Notably, GDP per capita grew from approximately $220 in 2000 to $400 in 2005 and $900 in 2010, reflecting a nearly 50% increase every five years, a remarkable rate compared to other regions Economic growth is viewed as a crucial objective for enhancing welfare policies, as elevating material living standards is a pathway to improved well-being In Binh Dinh, rising incomes in recent years have been associated with enhanced well-being, highlighting the positive impact of economic growth on quality of life.
The economic structure of the province has seen a positive shift over the years, with the agriculture, forestry, and fisheries sectors accounting for 42.2% in 2000, which decreased to 38.4% in 2005, and then stabilized at 35% in 2010 Meanwhile, the construction industry and services sector have also shown growth, moving from 22.8% and 35% in 2000 to 26.7% and 34.9% in 2005, and finally to 27.4% and 37.6% in 2010, respectively Overall, the industrial sector is developing robustly, indicating a positive trend in the province's economic landscape.
The Nhon Hoi economic zone has seen significant development with the establishment of multiple industrial clusters and improved infrastructure, fostering growth in trade, services, and tourism This economic restructuring has led to increased personal income; however, GDP per capita does not reflect income distribution or equality, meaning that economic growth does not benefit all segments of the population equally While total exports have risen by an average of 10.2% annually, and socio-economic infrastructure continues to be enhanced, the labor structure has shifted away from agriculture towards industrial and service sectors Between 2006 and 2010, the province mobilized 37.8 trillion in investments, accounting for 40.2% of GDP, significantly contributing to the province's overall development.
Binh Dinh is actively accelerating the development of eight planned industrial zones, covering a total area of 1,761 hectares, and 37 industrial clusters spanning 1,519.37 hectares, with a particular focus on the expansive 12,000-hectare Nhon Hoi Economic Zone, which includes 1,300 hectares designated for industrial parks The province is also dedicated to transforming Quy Nhon City into a first-class urban center and a key transportation hub for the Central Highlands Additionally, significant infrastructure projects are underway to connect northern and southern regions with east-west routes, while promoting the growth of vital economic sectors such as processing, forestry, agriculture, fisheries, handicrafts, building materials, and various manufacturing industries, alongside tourism, marine services, and financial sectors.
In the coming years, Binh Dinh Province aims to achieve an average GDP growth rate of 10%, focusing on restoring economic growth beyond previous levels To reach this goal, the province is dedicated to enhancing the investment environment and promoting business opportunities, while also boosting industrial production and service development It is essential to implement strong managerial measures to alleviate challenges faced by businesses and to effectively promote investment in key projects A significant emphasis will be placed on reforming administrative procedures, improving the investment climate, and addressing delays in the execution of investment projects to foster economic development in the province.
The Binh Dinh provincial government is currently reviewing investment projects, with a focus on the Nhon Hoi international deep-water port project This project, which involves nearly $1.2 billion in investments and began in 2007, faced delays due to non-implementation As a result, the provincial governors have decided to withdraw from the project and have handed it over to the Vietnam Maritime Corporation for further research and investment.
The province is committed to implementing targeted strategies to encourage investors to promptly fulfill their project schedule commitments, particularly focusing on infrastructure investment initiatives in Zone A and Zone B of the Nhon Hoi Economic Zone.
Contribution to happiness at glance
Numerous factors influence an individual's happiness, including mental and physical health, satisfaction with local facilities, household dynamics, gender, relationship status, educational qualifications, home ownership, employment status, and urban living The following sections will offer an overview of these elements, equipping readers with a comprehensive framework for their research.
The education infrastructure is continuously developing and improving in both quality and quantity, with a focus on diversifying school types and training methods to meet the evolving learning needs and human resource development In the 2009-2010 school year, there were 46,000 kindergarten children and 307,300 pupils in primary education, contributing to sustained literacy rates Special emphasis is placed on early childhood education as a foundation for primary schooling, and many localities have restored educational facilities, with only four communes lacking preschool classes Recent policy changes have positively impacted teacher treatment and investment, fostering significant growth in the sector Quy Nhon University stands out as a premier institution for training new teachers, striving to meet national standards and ensuring quality education Over five years, the university has trained and retrained over 10,000 participants, creating jobs for more than 12,000 employees Higher education and colleges are expanding, with ongoing upgrades to training programs, while Binh Dinh's educational initiatives prioritize both higher and elite education to align with global trends.
The municipal government has introduced policies aimed at ensuring that all children, especially those from ethnic minorities and disadvantaged regions, have access to education A key focus is on investing in difficult areas through government bonds to support the establishment of schools, thereby improving living standards and reducing poverty This initiative provides children in these regions with enhanced opportunities for educational services Additionally, the system of boarding and semi-boarding schools is being strengthened and expanded across various cities.
The Binh Dinh government prioritizes health care as a crucial aspect of national development, aiming to enhance the standard of living for families and society as a whole Key initiatives include expanding health insurance for the underprivileged and providing free medical services for children under six Continuous investment in public health prevention underscores the government's commitment to improving community health outcomes As of the end of 2009, significant progress has been made in these areas.
159 communes were recognized of achieving national standards of health; the proportion of malnourished children under 5 years is 3.15% only
The health status of Binh Dinh citizens has significantly improved, with the average height of adult males increasing from 160 cm to 164 cm and females from 151 cm to 154.5 cm, as reported by the Binh Dinh Public Health Care Center This progress aligns closely with other regions in the country and Southeast Asia, serving as strong evidence of the success of public health improvement programs.
Binh Dinh province prioritizes social security and welfare, reflecting its commitment to supporting vulnerable populations and fostering sustainable development Over recent decades, the government has focused on improving living standards through socio-economic growth and enhanced wages, emphasizing poverty alleviation Key policies and programs have been implemented to help the poor access essential services, such as healthcare and education, while also supporting production development through favorable land policies and credit options Infrastructure improvements in underserved areas have further facilitated this progress Notably, the poverty rate has significantly declined, from 19.66% in 2006 to approximately 7.23% in 2010, despite a growing urban-rural income disparity Importantly, social security expenditures have increased, contributing to social stability and garnering international recognition for Binh Dinh's achievements in social welfare.
Some remained obstructions
Despite efforts by the provincial municipality to enhance living standards for the impoverished through social security and welfare policies, the issue persists, with a significant number of households still living below the poverty line Many individuals, particularly in highland and remote areas, continue to experience poor living conditions, exacerbated by a wide income disparity and a lack of job opportunities in both rural and urban settings The resources allocated for social security and welfare are limited and heavily reliant on the state budget, resulting in inadequate coverage and support levels Additionally, existing insurance options fail to address the diverse needs of the population, and the overall quality of services remains low, leaving many serious challenges in improving the subjective well-being of the people.
Society faces numerous challenges related to social order and safety; however, recent advancements in social security and welfare have led to increased satisfaction among individuals This heightened sense of satisfaction contributes to greater happiness, ultimately enhancing overall well-being.
For centuries, Confucianism fostered a culture of "male-contempt," relegating women in feudal Vietnamese society to the status of mere shadows of men However, over 60 years after the 1946 Constitution first recognized women's rights as "feminist," Vietnam has made significant strides towards achieving gender equality.
Vietnam is actively implementing numerous action programs aimed at reducing discrimination and inequality between men and women These initiatives have been integrated into government policies and laws, exemplified by the enactment of the Gender Equality Law.
In 2006, Vietnam established the Law on Prevention of Family Violence, which, along with its unique approach to implementing gender equality programs at local levels, has positioned the country favorably in global rankings The Human Development Report of 2006 placed Vietnam 11th worldwide for gender equality, surpassing many developing nations Additionally, the World Economic Forum's 2007 global gender gap report ranked Vietnam second in gender equality within ASEAN and East Asia Binh Dinh province, benefiting from this progress, has seen an increasing recognition of women's roles in the community However, remnants of feudal ideologies persist in some remote areas, where inadequate gender conditions and family violence continue to pose significant challenges that require concerted efforts to address.
In recent years, Binh Dinh province has seen a troubling rise in divorce rates, highlighting significant concerns regarding marriage and family dynamics In the year 2000 alone, the provincial People's Court processed 657 cases related to marriage and family issues, indicating a growing trend that demands attention.
Since 2010, the number of handled divorce cases has surged by 181% compared to 2000, with a total of 1,192 cases accepted Notably, 48.85% of these cases were initiated by wives, with 321 applications Among these, 37.38% involved individuals under 30 years old, totaling 120 cases, while there were also six cases where wives sought separation at the age of 60.
Lenore J (1981) posits that divorce negatively impacts society, as the family is the fundamental unit of social structure A strong family contributes positively to societal health, while family disintegration leads to uncertainty about individual members' futures and well-being However, shifting public perceptions challenge this view, with many arguing that divorce can signify societal progress Conflicts in marriage are often unavoidable, and divorce may provide an escape from familial discord, allowing individuals to pursue greater well-being In Binh Dinh province, it remains difficult to definitively label divorce as either good or bad, as research suggests that individuals may experience improved well-being following a divorce.
Binh Dinh province is poised for significant economic and industrial development due to its favorable geographic conditions, improved infrastructure, and supportive policies that attract investment These advantages suggest a promising trajectory for steady and high economic growth, which could enhance the well-being of residents However, it is essential for governors and researchers to carefully evaluate the use of economic indices as measures of well-being.
Binh Dinh is currently facing significant challenges in promoting regional cultural development, particularly due to the negative impacts of the market mechanism, which often prioritizes rapid financial gain and commercial culture over traditional values In recent years, efforts have been made to mitigate these issues to protect the integrity of Binh Dinh's culture Improved policies aimed at attracting skilled workers and experienced cultural-art teams have led to advancements in the province's cultural landscape This development is crucial for shaping the future of Binh Dinh's culture and serves as a driving force in aligning it with national cultural goals, ultimately enhancing the well-being of its residents.
To gain a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing individual subjective well-being, it is essential to gather data and apply a quantitative approach to identify the relationships between these variables Consequently, this chapter outlines an effective data collection method and the appropriate research methodology to be utilized in this study.
Data
Data description
Despite the wealth of international studies on happiness and its correlations, empirical research on this topic remains relatively new and unclear in Vietnam This paper focuses on Binh Dinh province as a case study to promote further research in this area The primary data collection took place from June to July 2012, involving a total of 300 participants.
The study involved participants aged 16 to over 65, who were deemed to possess adequate cognitive abilities Data was collected using the Probability Proportional to Size (PPS) sampling method, as outlined by McGinn and Purdin (2004), and face-to-face interviews were conducted with the assistance of computer technology.
PPS, or Probability Proportional to Size, is a sampling technique that ensures the likelihood of selecting a sampling unit is directly related to its population size This method guarantees that larger sites have the same chance of being included in the sample as smaller sites, making it a fair and balanced approach Often utilized in surveys and mini-surveys, PPS provides a reliable probability or random sample, enhancing the validity of research findings (McGinn and Purdin, 2004).
This research utilized a random sampling method to select interviewees from a city, a town, and nine districts, encompassing 127 communes and 21 diverse aspects of their lives, including health, education, work status, family life, income, social relationships, and cultural status To accurately measure individual well-being or happiness levels, it is essential to consider traditional indicators of social and economic improvements However, gathering information on how individuals assess their own subjective well-being (SWB) can help mitigate paternalism in the evaluation process.
The questionnaire design- ONS approach
This research utilizes a questionnaire primarily based on the ONS model, recognized as the most current and effective tool for well-being research It addresses previous errors in research methodologies, including issues related to interview modes, question order, wording, and context effects Additionally, the questionnaire has been scientifically adapted to fit the specific context of Binh Dinh province, including a translation into Vietnamese and a more localized interviewing approach.
Measuring subjective well-being (SWB) relies on self-reported evaluations of individuals' lives, often using standardized questions found in existing literature For instance, respondents are typically asked to rate their happiness on a scale from "very happy" to "not at all happy" (ONS, 2011) A significant challenge in the international statistical system is the difficulty in comparing well-being across countries due to the lack of a uniform measurement scale, as different nations utilize varying scales in their surveys Consequently, subjective well-being assessments can differ significantly, exemplified by the British Social Attitudes Survey (BSPS), which asks participants to rate their overall life satisfaction on a scale from 1 to 10.
The Euro Barometer Survey employs a four-point scale for subjective well-being questions, contrasting with other surveys that use a seven-point scale ranging from 'Completely satisfied' to 'Not satisfied at all.' This variation in labeling and scaling can significantly influence respondents' answers, highlighting the need for careful consideration Additionally, the inconsistencies across different surveys create challenges for readers and researchers trying to correlate data from various sources The Office for National Statistics (ONS), recognized globally for its expertise in this area, plays a crucial role in addressing these issues.
UK government’s statistic department specializing in researching national welfare
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) introduced an eleven-point scale for measuring happiness, ranging from 0 to 10, where 0 signifies 'not at all' and 10 indicates 'completely' (ONS, 2011) This scale is favored for its simplicity and convenience, making it applicable in various international research studies, including those by Blanchflower (2007) and Conceição (2008) Its widespread use in subjective well-being surveys highlights its effectiveness in capturing the nuances of happiness across different populations.
To enhance the accuracy of subjective well-being estimates, it is crucial to consider various methodological factors Key aspects to examine include the mode of interview, the order of questions, the overall context in which the questions are presented, and the selection of scales used for measurement.
Research by Pudney (2010) indicates that subjective well-being scores tend to be higher when interviews are conducted face-to-face, especially among female respondents, highlighting the mode of interview problem Additionally, the use of show-cards can assist respondents and may introduce further mode effects across different interviewing methods, such as telephone versus household interviews Face-to-face interviews are often favored due to their ease of processing, cost-effectiveness, and the interviewer’s ability to observe respondents more closely.
Question order and context effects can significantly impact the results of interviews, as they may distort responses based on immediate context and the respondent's mood A study by Stract, Martin, and Schwarz (1987) demonstrated that individuals who experienced positive events before completing a questionnaire reported higher levels of life satisfaction and happiness Additionally, the initial questions in a subjective well-being survey can strongly influence responses to subsequent questions, highlighting the importance of considering these effects in survey design.
In a 1987 survey conducted among U.S students, researchers explored the relationship between life satisfaction and dating habits When the question about life satisfaction was posed before inquiries about dating, the results showed no correlation, indicating that dating did not significantly impact well-being Conversely, reversing the order of the questions revealed a strong correlation, suggesting that dating plays a crucial role in life satisfaction Building on this, Kahneman and Krueger (2006) emphasized that in large-scale samples, the order and context of questions have less influence on outcomes, which may balance out in representative studies.
Feedback from the Advisory Forum indicated that the order of questions in surveys can significantly affect responses, particularly regarding happiness self-reports Placing a happiness question after inquiries about health or the labor market may skew respondents' answers To mitigate this bias, interviewers should establish rapport with participants before asking subjective well-being questions, ideally before addressing topics like marital status or family relationships Consequently, the questionnaire's structure was designed in accordance with the Advisory Forum’s recommendations to promote objective study outcomes.
Question wording can significantly influence survey outcomes, particularly in subjective well-being assessments This methodological concern has been highlighted during discussions and remains crucial for accurate data interpretation As we advance, it’s essential to consider how variations in question wording and response scales affect estimates, including the use of different time frames (ONS, 2010) Consequently, the research aimed to evaluate interviewees' subjective well-being by employing straightforward, easily understandable questions for all participants.
Finally, the survey included both objective and subjective measures to capture the most of respondent’s life aspects.
Methodology
Model specification
This research highlights the importance of effectively presenting subjective well-being data for policymakers and the public Utilizing thresholds to categorize individuals based on an 11-point scale can illustrate the percentage of people above or below a certain level of well-being However, the OECD has raised concerns about this approach, noting that significant variations in responses within countries may not correspond to changes in the overall mean Consequently, the choice of threshold can greatly influence the interpretation of results, making it crucial to consider these factors when presenting subjective well-being data.
This argument can also be applied to compare different sub-groups in the same country using thresholds
Therefore, at the individual level, it is more suitable to use the mean for convenience
In this paper, we are concerned with the demographic as well as social determinants of happiness, as expressed in the following subject well-being function:
In this research, we utilize various symbols such as W, A, B, C, and β1, β2, β3 to represent key variables and coefficients Specifically, W denotes the level of individual well-being or happiness, A reflects demographic factors that influence variations in happiness, and B encompasses social variables that impact individual well-being.
C is a vector of personality variables that affect individual well-being and ε is error term
Previous studies have explored how factors B and A influence individual happiness levels (W) However, this research takes a more conventional approach by estimating the well-being function without considering specific personality factors (C), focusing solely on the effects of A and B on W This exclusion of the personality vector is acceptable only if it is assumed that it does not bias the estimates of A and B's impact on W Thus, a straightforward assumption is made regarding the error terms in the analysis.
A, B and C are not correlated with each other and C vector have less effect on W related to A and B Therefore, C can be put in error term
Thus, the new model can be used in study is
W captures individual subject well-being or happiness level,
A captures variation in individual happiness along with demographic factors,
B includes all social variables that affect individual well-being ε’ is error term including C effects.
The research detail function
In the model, β1 estimate whether happiness level alters significantly between demographic variables, with a condition that does not vary for variables that might vary along demographic variables
The coefficient β2 on variable B estimates the direction and magnitude of its relationship with happiness levels This research assumes a causal link where B influences happiness (W), as discussed in previous literature (Graham, Eggers, and Sukhtankar, 2011; Easterlin, 2005a) However, exploring this causality is beyond the scope of this study and should be addressed in future research This study employs weighted least squares (WLS) analysis to examine the individual impact of the variables on happiness while keeping other variables constant.
Research indicates that the relationship between age and happiness typically follows a U-shaped curve, prompting the use of a squared age variable in models to accurately reflect this connection (Blanchflower 2008; Blanchflower and Oswald 2007a; Oswald 1997; Helliwell 2003) Additionally, household income experiences diminishing marginal utility, suggesting that a log-linear representation may be the most effective way to illustrate this phenomenon.
Totally, the detailed function is formulated as follows:
W = β1 + β2Age + β3 Age 2 + β4 Location + β5 Log(Income) + β6 Sex + β8Child+ β7Eemployed + β8 House+ β9 Crime+ β10 B.A+ β11 Married + β12 Physical+ β13Mental + β14Local + ε’
Hypothesis statement
This thesis aims to identify the variables that influence individual happiness, focusing on factors such as age, location, income (logarithmic), sex, children, employment status, housing, education (B.A.), marital status, and both physical and mental health It is anticipated that age, location, income, sex, children, employment, housing, education, marital status, and health will have positive effects on happiness, while crime is expected to negatively impact individual well-being.
The hypothesis statement can be stated as below:
It is expected that all variables may have effects on individual happiness.
The description of variables use in this research
This section provides a concise overview of the variables utilized to assess individual happiness, as outlined in the first chapter and summarized in Table 1, offering a comprehensive framework for understanding the key metrics employed in this study.
Table 1-The description of variables use in the thesis
Variable Definition Type of variable
Dependent variable: Individual happiness level
W Individual subject well- being or happiness
Independent variable Age Interviewee’s age Continuous From 16 to 65
Age 2 Interviewee’s age squared Continuous From 256 to 4225
Location Where the interviewee lives
Dummy Location = 1 if lives in city, = 0 if otherwise
Log(Income) Log of interviewee’s annual income
Continuous Log of interviewee’s annual income
House Own-house of interviewee Dummy Home = 1 if have own house, = 0 if not
Employed The interviewee job status Dummy Employed = 1 If are employed, = 0 if not
Married Interview’s marriage status Dummy Married = 1 if have partner, = 0 if not
Dummy B.A = 1 if have B.A degree or above, = 0 if not
Sex The gender of interviewee Dummy Sex=1 if female, = 0 if male
Crime The social status of interviewee
Dummy Crime =1 if has experienced a violent crime, = 0 if not
Child The interviewee’ kids Dummy Child = 1 if have kids,
Mental The self-evaluation of interviewee on his mental status consisting of the net effect on both positive and negative effects
Physical The self-evaluation of interviewee on his physical status
Local The level of satisfaction of interviewee to local facilities
From the former research, the expected signs of βs could be summarized at Table
2 This chapter provides the appropriate method of collecting data (how and where data were collected) In this research, data were chosen by probability proportional to size (PPS) sampling method and the face-to-face interview method is used with the computer assistance
This chapter highlights the limitations encountered in data collection and questionnaire design based on the ONS approach, emphasizing factors such as response scales, interview modes, contextual influences, and question order It identifies an appropriate detail model and presents a hypothesis statement that encompasses fourteen variables relevant to the research, along with their anticipated signs.
Table 2 - Literature findings on determinants affecting happiness level
Variable Expected sign of coefficient
Location +*** Shiqing J., Ming L and Hiroshi S., 2012
House +* Clark, Paul and Shields, 2007
Employed +** Ohtake F., 2012& Di Tella et al., 2001
Local +* Frey and Stutzer, 2002 & Helliwell, 2003
*** The relationship is very clear
** The relationship is not clear
* The relationship is very ambiguous
Analysis result
The empirical analysis
From empirical OLS result, there is a notable contraction between significance of
The F value indicates insignificance of the t value, suggesting potential multicollinearity among the variables listed in Appendix 1 However, the application of the variance inflation factor (VIF) reveals that there is no significant correlation or serious multicollinearity present.
A different problem which has been investigated more seriously to the model is heteroscedasticity presented by using Breusch-Pagan-Godfrey test (Table 3)
Table 3- Breusch-Pagan-Godfrey test
Heteroskedasticity Test: Breusch-Pagan-Godfrey
Obs*R-squared 42.97563 Prob Chi-Square(14) 0.0001
Scaled explained SS 38.74766 Prob Chi-Square(14) 0.0004
Source: Data analysis for the study
Analysis result
This procedure yields clear and interpretable outcomes, with the average coefficient representing the anticipated change in happiness levels resulting from a one-unit change in the relevant variable.
The study presented in Table 4 analyzes happiness levels in Binh Dinh province, based on a sample of 300 individuals aged 16 to 65 To address heteroscedasticity, the researchers employed the weighted least squares (WLS) method with robust standard errors The estimated coefficients are organized into two columns, each containing four distinct groups, as illustrated in the accompanying table.
The table presents an estimated coefficient analysis for each variable, highlighting the correlation coefficients derived from the OLS method in the first column and contrasting them with the WLS method results shown in the third column.
Table 4- WLS and OLS analysis result
Source: Data analysis for the study
Analysis examination
The analysis reveals distinct differences in coefficients between existing literature and the current research, highlighting the need for a thorough investigation of this issue The following section will delve deeply into these concerns.
The WLS analysis reinforces the 'U-shaped' relationship between age and happiness, indicating that happiness declines until approximately 39 years of age, after which it tends to rise again This finding diverges from existing literature, which typically identifies the lowest happiness point around 45 years In Binh Dinh, however, individuals may experience a drop in happiness earlier than those studied in other regions, suggesting a unique pattern in the relationship between age and happiness in this area.
Research indicates that gender plays a significant role in happiness levels, with men generally reporting lower happiness than women when controlling for other variables This aligns with existing literature, which suggests that women tend to manage their emotions and temper more effectively than men Although the findings echo previous studies (Sam Waldron, 2010; Mookerjee and Beron, 2005), the gender difference in happiness is less pronounced compared to other factors Notably, the analysis shows that women exhibit a higher average level of happiness than men, reinforcing the notion that gender influences emotional well-being.
Living in Binh Dinh province, the positive impact of urban life on individual happiness is present but relatively minor While city residents experience a happiness boost similar to that of having a partner, this effect is less pronounced than that of having a spouse This finding is consistent with existing academic literature The advantages of city living, such as increased safety, better job opportunities, accessible healthcare, and enhanced entertainment options, contribute to improved mental health However, the research indicates that the overall positive effect is small and less significant, likely due to the interplay of both positive and negative factors Challenges such as high living costs, unemployment rates, and environmental pollution diminish the benefits of urban living, resulting in a net effect that is small and somewhat ambiguous.
Research indicates a significant relationship between happiness levels and both physical and mental health, with mental health having a more substantial impact on individual happiness In Binh Dinh province, the contribution of mental health to happiness is estimated at 1.3, compared to 3.5 in European countries, highlighting differing perceptions of health's importance in various cultures Developed nations may prioritize mental health over physical health due to advanced healthcare services and the complexities of modern jobs Numerous studies have established health status as a key determinant of happiness, with weighted least squares analysis confirming that both mental and physical health significantly influence happiness levels Specifically, a variation of 0.42 in mental health and 0.33 in physical health corresponds to a one-unit change in reported happiness, further underscoring the greater impact of mental health on overall happiness.
The relationship between education and happiness is complex, with higher qualifications generally associated with increased happiness, though the correlation is often insignificant Higher education can enhance social life and foster a positive outlook, contributing to greater income, which directly impacts happiness levels Notably, possessing a degree positively influences happiness when accounting for other factors Research indicates that education affects overall happiness indirectly through variables like employment and income, as well as individual perceptions In Binh Dinh province, the dynamics between individuals with high degrees in low-paying jobs and those without degrees earning more create a less clear-cut picture of happiness Nevertheless, attaining a higher degree may ultimately lead to greater overall happiness.
Household income has a significant positive impact on happiness, aligning with international research Although the effect is recognized, the magnitude of this relationship is relatively small This indicates that as income rises, individuals experience a notable increase in their overall happiness levels.
The findings of this research indicate a strong correlation between household income growth and reported happiness levels among the people of Binh Dinh, surpassing similar studies in other countries Specifically, a one percent increase in income is associated with a 0.85 unit rise in happiness, highlighting the significant impact of income on overall well-being in this region.
In Binh Dinh province, an intriguing finding reveals that unemployment may positively influence happiness levels, challenging conventional academic literature that suggests employment leads to greater happiness The weighted least squares analysis fails to support the notion that having a job correlates with increased happiness, indicating that individuals with jobs do not necessarily report higher levels of happiness than those who are unemployed This ambiguous and insignificant result suggests that some individuals may prefer the comfort of managing household tasks or enjoying their leisure time over the stress and low income associated with traditional employment.
Owning a home positively impacts individuals, contributing to greater comfort and happiness in their lives However, the significance of this effect is relatively modest, as indicated by the smaller magnitude of the associated coefficient.
4.2.4 Social life and community relationships determinants
The crime variables referring social life experiment have negative coefficients like theoretical expectation such as the jobs of Dolan et al (2010) and Clark (2008)
Research indicates that living with a partner can enhance happiness levels, albeit to a modest extent This aligns with existing academic literature, which suggests that the presence of a partner indirectly influences factors such as income and overall mental and physical health Being in a committed relationship can alleviate feelings of loneliness, thereby improving mood, emotional well-being, and mental health.
In Binh Dinh, while having a partner can alleviate daily consumption pressures, it may also create additional stress, particularly for married individuals who feel a heightened sense of duty to support their families This responsibility can negatively impact both mental and physical health, ultimately diminishing overall happiness Consequently, the net effect of partnership on well-being may be ambiguous and relatively minor.
The presence of children in a family positively influences the happiness of parents, particularly in Vietnam, where family dynamics are a significant societal concern Recent discussions emphasize the role of family culture as a means to counter Western influences amidst rapid industrialization and urbanization Research in Binh Dinh province indicates that having children significantly enhances happiness levels, contrasting with findings from Western studies This difference may stem from the stronger familial bonds in Vietnamese society and the lower costs associated with raising children in Binh Dinh, which alleviates financial pressure on parents Ultimately, having children in this region contributes to the overall happiness of family members.
This study reveals a significant correlation between government effectiveness and resident happiness, indicating that improved local facilities contribute to higher levels of contentment among citizens These findings align with existing literature, suggesting that enhanced societal security leads to a more fulfilling life for individuals.
In summary, the chapter analyzes regression results that identify various factors influencing individual happiness levels, categorized into demographics, education and health, economic, and social life It addresses two regression issues, revealing mild multicollinearity but significant heteroscedasticity, which is corrected using the Weighted Least Squares (WLS) method The findings highlight key correlations between happiness and factors such as unemployment, physical and mental health, income, home ownership, educational qualifications, and elements related to security and social life Notably, the results align with existing literature on variables like mental health, physical health, local facility satisfaction, and household income, which show strong significance However, the relationship between happiness and variables such as educational qualifications, housing, employment status, and urban living appears weaker Interestingly, age and employment status exhibit contrary signs compared to existing literature A summary of these findings is presented in Table 5.
Variable Sign of studied coefficients Sign of estimated coefficients
Conclusion and ruture research directions
Limitation and future research directions
This study has notable limitations that should be considered when evaluating its findings and contributions A critical assessment of the results is essential, and some identified limitations may provide valuable insights for future research in the same area.
The study's primary limitation lies in the knowledge scale, as it addresses the vast and complex social phenomenon of happiness measurement, making it a challenging endeavor with limited empirical background This case study highlights several constraints that can hinder precise comprehension, resulting in difficulty for readers to grasp the concepts and approaches presented Nevertheless, by exploring this specific case, it offers a valuable conceptual framework and effective tools for future research.
This study acknowledges limitations related to the understanding of sociology and psychology concepts, despite presenting various logical perspectives and theoretical analyses The research opts for a general overview of previous findings to facilitate problem examination, which may lead to misunderstandings Additionally, the study's choice to exclude certain variables from the literature raises questions, although this decision simplifies the reality and lays a foundation for future research The theoretical framework encompasses diverse perspectives on variables, potentially resulting in ambiguity and conflict Ultimately, the study concludes that it is prudent to selectively incorporate variables, ensuring clarity in their meanings and relationships before integration into the model, thus aligning with both existing literature and real-world contexts.
Future research should address several key issues highlighted by this study's conclusions and limitations Primarily, expanding the study's scope beyond a single province is essential Additionally, it is crucial to explore the interconnections and interactions among the determinants and the model to gain a more accurate understanding of these factors.
To enhance the framework of this research, it is essential to incorporate diverse perspectives However, integrating all these factors into the current study would be challenging Consequently, concepts like subjective well-being, objective well-being, and happiness should be explored in separate papers for a more comprehensive understanding.
Replicating the study across various regions in Vietnam will enhance its overall effectiveness Additionally, refining and expanding data collection methods will enable researchers to obtain more accurate responses, ultimately leading to improved outcomes.
This research utilizes a limited sample size from the province's population, highlighting the need for broader sampling and variable inclusion in future studies Expanding the investigation to diverse areas and methodologies could yield exciting insights beyond traditional approaches While this paper addresses a specific aspect, it clearly requires further refinement and exploration in subsequent research efforts.
The relationships observed in this research may be influenced by biases stemming from common methods used to measure happiness levels or response variance effects Additionally, the varying awareness of interviewees can lead to subjective data collection, raising questions about the study's effectiveness in accurately measuring cognitive behavior Nonetheless, the primary aim of the study is to assess self-perception, independent of whether the data is objective or subjective.
Future research should incorporate a more extensive qualitative methodology for data collection to enhance the breadth of perspectives in the current study, addressing the limitations identified in the existing qualitative approach.
The relationship between happiness and various factors is significant, as demonstrated by research from C Graham, A Eggers, and S Sukhtankar (2004), which utilized a Russian panel study Their findings indicate that individuals who reported higher levels of happiness not only earned more money but also enjoyed better health five years later Furthermore, happier individuals exhibit a lower marginal propensity to consume, leading them to save more and spend less This enhanced decision-making ability and control over expenditures enable happier people to invest wisely, potentially increasing their future income Ultimately, happiness positively influences health and fosters a range of cognitive benefits, including self-esteem, optimism, and a sense of control, highlighting the importance of further research into these interconnected relationships.
In conclusion, the findings in this happiness sector should bring policy-makers resourceful information for designing polices for social development of Binh Dinh province
The correlation matrix between variables
Heteroskedasticity Test: Breusch-Pagan-Godfrey
Obs*R-squared 42.97563 Prob Chi-Square(14) 0.0001
Scaled explained SS 38.74766 Prob Chi-Square(14) 0.0004
Correlation t-Statistic AGE AREA B_A CHILD CRIME EMPLOYED HOME INCOME LOCAL LOG(INCOME) MARRIED MENTAL PHYSICAL SEX
Variable Coefficient Std Error t-Statistic Prob
S.E of regression 0.349545 Akaike info criterion 0.784338
Sum squared resid 34.82178 Schwarz criterion 0.969527
Log likelihood -102.6506 Hannan-Quinn criter 0.858451
Weight type: Standard deviation (average scaling)
White heteroskedasticity-consistent standard errors & covariance
Variable Coefficient Std Error t-Statistic Prob
S.E of regression 0.534613 Akaike info criterion 1.634161
Sum squared resid 81.45624 Schwarz criterion 1.81935
Log likelihood -230.1241 Hannan-Quinn criter 1.708274
Prob(F-statistic) 0 Weighted mean dep 6.64145
S.E of regression 0.523865 Sum squared resid 78.21397
I Fill the blank with your answer or stick on the box with your choice:
2 What is your sex? Female Male
3 Where do you live? Urban Other locations
4 How much is your household’s income per month? (USD)
5 Have you got married? Yes No
6 Do you have own house? Yes No
7 Do you have any child? Yes No
8 Do you have B.A degree or above? Yes No
9 Did you experience a violent crime? Yes No
II Please choose a number in the ladder from 0 at the bottom to 10 at the top The top of ladder represents a best possible life for you and the bottom of the ladder represents a worst possible life for you Please circle on the point which you consider is the most appropriate to you
1 Overall, how happiness is you got today?
2 Overall, how estimated are you with your physical health?
3 Overall, how estimated are you with your mental health?
4 Overall, how estimated are you with quality of local facilities?
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