Happiness notation
The first concept relating to happiness is well-being While intuitively attractions, the notation of well-being is especially difficult to define clearly.
Well-being is fundamentally rooted in our connections and relationships, which provide meaning to our lives Close personal relationships offer familiarity, belonging, and support, making isolation a significant source of distress (Eckersley, 2004) Nic Marks’ study (2007) further defines well-being with the insightful phrases “Doing well - feeling good” and “Doing good - feeling well,” highlighting the dual aspects of well-being.
The concepts of 'doing-well' and 'feeling-good' highlight the dual dimensions of well-being, where 'doing-well' pertains to economic prosperity and the material aspects of life, while 'feeling-good' reflects personal happiness and satisfaction The phrase 'doing good-feeling well' underscores the significance of moral and cultural factors, especially in developing countries, emphasizing that well-being encompasses not just the pursuit of a good life, but also living a good life This broader understanding integrates individual preferences with deeper core values, illustrating the importance of feeling at ease in one's place in the world and fostering meaningful relationships with others (White, 2008).
1.1.2 Object and subject well-being
Well-being can be categorized into subjective and objective approaches, as noted by Conceiỗóo and Bandura (2008) The subjective approach assesses well-being through observable evidence 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 metrics such as income, GDP, and GNP To enhance this perspective, researchers advocate for multidimensional measures that incorporate environmental and social factors alongside economic indicators (Sumner, 2006; McGillivray, 2007) However, the objective approach has limitations, as it necessitates prior selection of key indicators for evaluating national well-being, which can affect the accuracy of assessments.
Subjective measures of well-being (SWB) provide a direct insight into individuals' experiences and feelings by utilizing ordinal assessments Unlike objective approaches, SWB avoids preconceived notions of what defines a good life and mitigates paternalism, which often involves assumptions about factors affecting well-being By soliciting individuals' perspectives on their own well-being, SWB empowers them to evaluate their life satisfaction on their own terms.
White presents an alternative method for assessing well-being, arguing that the notion of an 'objective' measure is difficult to defend within a person-centered framework According to White (2008, p 17), everyone, including officials and academics, perceives and articulates their views from specific contexts, lacking a truly unbiased or universal perspective Additionally, concepts of well-being are predominantly shaped by distinct social and cultural contexts, suggesting that a singular definition does not exist.
The concept of a 'pure objective' existence can be distinguished from individual 'subjective' experiences, suggesting that certain truths may exist independently of cultural influences This perspective does not diminish the significance of material conditions, as standards of living and material welfare are crucial to overall well-being Amartya Sen (1991) emphasizes that while happiness is vital, other fundamental aspects of life—such as justice, rights, security, and freedom—should take precedence due to their inherent importance Recognizing the interconnectedness of material and intangible needs is essential for a comprehensive understanding of 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 triangle image illustrates the interconnectedness of three essential components of well-being, emphasizing that each element relies on the others for existence The placement of the "subjective" dimension highlights that individual well-being is shaped by social and cultural factors Additionally, the significance of these dimensions may shift over time based on the context and priorities of those involved in the discussion Importantly, the three dimensions of well-being are likely to interact with other established concepts, suggesting that they may even overlap in certain contexts.
The material dimensions of well-being encompass tangible assets like health and education, which contribute to 'capabilities' or 'human capital,' including natural, physical, and financial resources Additionally, common property resources can be utilized to enhance these capabilities, though they require sharing with others, such as the physical and natural environment On the relational side, well-being is shaped by intimate relationships, including love and care from family, as well as social capital derived from organizations like labor unions and interactions with local governance, which influence policies and welfare services.
The subjective dimensions of well-being focus on individuals' perceptions of what is good, their feelings about life, and the lifelong desires they pursue This aspect is crucial for personal happiness but is influenced by prior dimensions of well-being As noted by Prinz and Bünger (2012), fulfilling basic needs is essential; the quicker these needs are met, the more time individuals have for other pursuits This increased productivity can lead to greater wealth, allowing individuals to dedicate more time to enhancing their happiness and overall welfare.
In psychology, the terms subjective well-being (SWB), life satisfaction, and happiness are often used interchangeably, yet they have distinct meanings While happiness is a narrower concept, life satisfaction reflects an individual's perceived gap between their expectations and reality Both happiness and life satisfaction are essential components of SWB, but they differ in that happiness is derived from the balance between positive and negative emotions.
In this context, subjective well-being (SWB) is closely related to the concept of happiness, while terms like satisfaction and happiness are often viewed as synonymous with the feeling of being happy Although economists frequently use these terms interchangeably, it is important to recognize their nuanced differences.
“happiness” and “life satisfaction” for a long time as measuring of subjective well-being (Easterlin, 2004), there is still no obvious agreement on what “happiness” really refer to In
Political situation Freedom level Social capital and quality of institutions
practice, however, we can use SWB data to measure happiness or life satisfaction due to the similar meaning in measuring these indicators.
Based on the literature review and the objectives of this study, a conceptual framework has been developed, illustrated in Figure 2 This framework outlines the interconnectedness of three key factors—material, demographic, and social determinants—in relation to happiness or subjective well-being (SWB), presenting a comprehensive three-dimensional perspective.
Determinants of Happiness
Happiness and Social Determinants
Socio-economic Overview of Binh Dinh province
Despite the global economic recession, Binh Dinh province's economy experienced consistent growth from 2006 to 2010 In recent years, the socio-economic landscape of Binh Dinh has been steadily evolving, with notable advancements in education, healthcare, culture, and social welfare.
-infrastructure investment and social welfare development This chapter would provide a specific view on social and economic achievements of the province in recent years as a background for further investigation.
Overview of Economics factors
Gross domestic product (GDP) increased in an average of 10.7% per year.
The industrial and construction sectors experienced a growth of 15.2%, while agriculture, forestry, and fisheries saw an increase of 7.1%, and the services sector grew by 11.2% On average, the value of industrial production rose by 15.7% annually Additionally, GDP per capita rose significantly from around $220 in 2000 to $400.
Between 2005 and 2010, Binh Dinh experienced a significant increase in GDP per capita, rising nearly 50% over five years, which is notably high compared to other regions Economic growth has long been viewed as a crucial objective for enhancing welfare policies, with the aim of improving material living standards to boost individual well-being Recent income growth in Binh Dinh has led some to assert that this increase is directly contributing to enhanced well-being Additionally, the province's economic structure has positively shifted, with a notable change in the proportions of agriculture, forestry, fisheries, construction, and services from 42.2%-22.8%-35% in 2000 to 38.4%-26.7%-34.9% in 2005.
27.4% - 37.6% respectively in 2010 In general, the industry is developing pretty.
The Nhon Hoi economic zone has seen significant development in infrastructure and investment, leading to the establishment of multiple industrial clusters and a thriving economic trade, services, and tourism zone This economic restructuring has positively impacted personal income; however, GDP per capita does not reflect income distribution or equality, meaning that economic growth may not benefit all segments of the population equally Despite an average annual export growth of 10.2% and substantial investments totaling 37.8 trillion VND from 2006 to 2010, which represents 40.2% of GDP, the labor structure has shifted away from agriculture, forestry, and fisheries towards industrial and service sectors These developments are crucial for the province's overall growth and prosperity.
Binh Dinh is actively channeling resources to expedite the construction of eight planned industrial zones, covering a total area of 1,761 hectares, and 37 industrial clusters spanning 1,519.37 hectares, particularly within the expansive 12,000-hectare Nhon Hoi Economic Zone, which includes 1,300 hectares for industrial parks The province is also enhancing Quy Nhon City, aiming for it to become a growth center in the southern region and a key transportation hub for the Central Highlands Additionally, significant infrastructure projects are being developed to connect the North-South and East-West regions Binh Dinh is promoting its key economic sectors, leveraging advantages in processing industries, agriculture, fisheries, handicrafts, construction materials, footwear, garments, mechanical engineering, deep-water seaports, electrical and electronic manufacturing, tourism, marine services, and financial and telecommunications services.
Binh Dinh Province aims to achieve an average GDP growth rate of 10% in the coming years by prioritizing the restoration of economic growth To meet this goal, the province is enhancing the investment and business environment, promoting industrial production, and developing services to drive economic expansion Key strategies include strengthening managerial measures to alleviate challenges faced by businesses, encouraging effective investment in projects, and focusing on administrative procedure reforms Additionally, Binh Dinh will review the progress of investment projects to ensure the timely implementation of key initiatives that contribute to the province's economic development.
The Binh Dinh provincial government is currently reviewing investment projects, particularly the Nhon Hoi international deep-water port project This initiative, which involves nearly $1.2 billion in investments and began in 2007, has faced implementation challenges, prompting officials to withdraw and transfer ownership back to the Vietnamese government.
Maritime Corporation to research and invest.
The province will actively implement targeted strategies to encourage investors to swiftly adhere to their project timelines, particularly focusing on infrastructure investments in Zone A and Zone B of the Nhon Hoi Economic Zone.
Contribution to happiness at glance
Numerous factors influence individual happiness, including mental and physical health, satisfaction with local facilities, household dynamics, gender, partnership status, educational qualifications, home ownership, employment status, and urban living The following sections will offer a comprehensive overview of these elements, equipping readers with a solid framework for their research.
The development of educational infrastructure has significantly improved in both quality and quantity, addressing diverse learning needs and enhancing 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 levels since 2004 Special emphasis is placed on early childhood education, which is essential for successful primary education, and the restoration of educational facilities has progressed, with only four communes lacking preschool classes Recent policy changes have positively impacted teacher treatment and investment, with Quy Nhon University emerging as a leading institution for teacher training, striving to meet national standards Additionally, training and retraining programs have benefited over 10,000 participants, creating jobs for more than 12,000 employees Higher education and colleges continue to expand, with upgraded training programs and a focus on elite education in Binh Dinh, ensuring that higher education meets the evolving demands of the region.
69 world trend of universal higher education, on the other hand, remains the elite educational background.
The municipal government has introduced various policies aimed at ensuring that all children, especially those from ethnic minority groups and disadvantaged areas, have access to education A key investment strategy involves issuing government bonds to support educational initiatives in mountainous and underserved regions, facilitating the construction of schools to enhance living standards and reduce poverty This approach provides children in these areas with improved opportunities for educational services Additionally, the system of boarding and semi-boarding schools is being strengthened and expanded across multiple cities.
The Binh Dinh government prioritizes primary health care as a crucial element 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 impoverished and providing free medical services for children under six Continuous investment in public health prevention has led to significant achievements, with 136 out of 159 communes recognized for meeting national health standards by the end of 2009, and a low malnutrition rate of just 3.15% among children under five.
The health status of Binh Dinh citizens has markedly improved, with the average height of adult males rising from 160 cm to 164 cm and females from 151 cm to 154.5 cm, according to the Binh Dinh Public Health Care Center This progress aligns with average heights in other regions of the country and Southeast Asia, serving as strong evidence of the successful public health improvement initiatives in the area.
Binh Dinh province prioritizes social security and welfare as key objectives for sustainable development and socio-political stability The government has focused on improving workers' wages and enhancing living standards through targeted policies and programs aimed at poverty alleviation These initiatives mobilize societal resources to assist vulnerable populations, ensuring access to essential public services such as healthcare, education, occupational training, and legal aid.
To promote production growth, effective land policies are essential, along with preferential credit for agriculture, forestry, fishery, and industry development Additionally, enhancing essential infrastructure in particularly challenging communes and villages is crucial Notably, poverty reduction efforts have yielded significant results, with the percentage of poor households dropping from 19.66% in 2006 to approximately 7.23% in 2010, earning international recognition Although the gap between urban and rural areas widened from 2.6 times in 1999 to 3 times in 2010, the overall impact remains manageable Importantly, social security expenditures have increased rather than decreased in recent years, contributing significantly to social stability.
Some remained obstructions
Despite efforts by the provincial municipality to enhance living standards for the poor through social security and welfare policies, the issue persists, with a significant number of households remaining below the poverty line Many individuals, particularly in highland and remote areas, continue to experience poor living conditions, exacerbated by a substantial income gap and a lack of job opportunities in both rural and urban settings Additionally, resources allocated for social security and welfare are limited, primarily reliant on the state budget, resulting in low coverage and inadequate support levels The existing insurance options fail to address the diverse needs of the population, and the overall quality of services remains subpar, leaving many serious challenges to improving the well-being of individuals.
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 and overall well-being in people's lives.
For thousands of years under the influence of Confucianism "male-contempt", the life of women in feudal society in Vietnam is considered only a
Over 60 years after the Vietnamese Constitution of 1946 first affirmed women's rights, Vietnam has made significant progress in achieving gender equality.
Vietnam actively implements numerous programs aimed at reducing gender discrimination and inequality, with these initiatives being formalized into government policies and laws Notably, the Gender Equality Law was enacted in 2006, followed by the establishment of the Law on Prevention of Family Violence Furthermore, few countries have translated their gender equality programs into specific activities at the provincial or local level, showcasing Vietnam's commitment to this important issue.
Vietnam ranks 73rd globally in human development, with its gender equality levels placing it 11th in the world according to the 2006 Human Development Report The 2007 Global Gender Gap Report by the World Economic Forum highlighted Vietnam's position as second in gender equality within ASEAN and East Asia Binh Dinh province has benefited from these advancements, with women's roles in the community becoming increasingly significant However, remnants of feudal ideologies persist, particularly in remote areas of the province, where inadequate gender equality and family violence remain pressing issues that require substantial efforts to address.
The divorce rate in Binh Dinh province has seen a significant rise in recent years, highlighting concerning trends in marriage and family dynamics In 2000, the provincial People's Court processed 657 marriage and family cases, which surged to 1,192 cases by 2010, marking an alarming 181% increase over 11 years Notably, women initiated 321 of these divorce applications, accounting for 48.85% of the total, with a particularly high incidence of divorces occurring among individuals under 30 years old.
120 cases accounted for 37.38% and 6 cases by the wife for separation at the age of 60 years old.
Lenore J (1981) posits that divorce represents a detrimental aspect of society, suggesting that the family unit serves as the foundation of social structure A strong family contributes positively to society, while its fragmentation can lead to uncertainty about individual roles and responsibilities within the family However, contemporary perspectives challenge this view, with many arguing that divorce can signify societal progress, as it allows individuals to address contradictions and incompatibilities within marriage.
Divorce is often seen as an unavoidable outcome when conflicts remain unresolved, prompting spouses and family members to seek relief from ongoing turmoil As awareness of personal well-being increases, individuals strive to enhance their quality of life In Binh Dinh province, it is challenging to definitively categorize divorce as either positive or negative; however, research suggests that individuals may experience improved well-being following the decision to divorce.
Binh Dinh province is poised for significant economic and industrial growth due to its favorable geographic conditions, improved infrastructure, and supportive policies aimed at attracting investment These advantages suggest a promising trajectory for steady economic development, which could enhance the well-being of residents However, it is essential for policymakers and researchers to critically assess 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 adverse effects of market mechanisms that prioritize quick financial gain and commercial culture over traditional values In recent years, the province has worked to mitigate these issues to protect its cultural heritage Improved policies aimed at attracting skilled workers and experienced cultural teams have led to a positive shift 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 values, 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 employ a quantitative approach to analyze the relationships among these variables This chapter outlines a systematic method for data collection and the appropriate methodologies to be utilized in this research.
Data
Data description
Despite the abundance of international studies on happiness, empirical research in Vietnam remains limited and unclear This paper focuses on Binh Dinh province to stimulate further investigation into this subject Data collection occurred from June to July 2012, involving 300 participants aged 16 to over 65, who were deemed to have adequate cognitive abilities The respondents were selected using the Probability Proportional to Size (PPS) sampling method and were interviewed face-to-face with computer assistance.
Probability Proportional to Size (PPS) 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, promoting fairness in selection PPS is commonly utilized in surveys and mini-surveys, providing a reliable probability or random sample for accurate data collection (McGinn and Purdin, 2004).
According to the sampling method used in this research, interviewees were chosen randomly from one city, one town and nine districts (including 127
In a study involving 79 communes, 21 wards, and 12 townships, individuals were interviewed to assess various 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, it's essential to consider traditional indicators of social and economic improvements However, gathering insights on how people evaluate their own subjective well-being (SWB) can help mitigate paternalism in the assessment process.
The questionnaire design- ONS approach
This research utilizes a questionnaire primarily based on the latest ONS version, which is specifically tailored for well-being studies It addresses and corrects issues found in previous research, such as interview mode, question order, wording, and contextual effects Additionally, the questionnaire is scientifically adapted to fit the context of Binh Dinh province, including translation into Vietnamese and a more localized interviewing approach.
Measuring subjective well-being (SWB) involves individuals assessing their overall life satisfaction through self-reporting Researchers commonly utilize standardized questions from existing literature, such as asking respondents to rate their happiness on a scale from "very happy" to "not at all happy."
One significant challenge facing the international statistical system is the difficulty in comparing national measures of well-being across different countries This issue arises from the absence of a standardized scale, leading to variations in how subjective well-being is reported in surveys Consequently, diverse scales are utilized in different surveys, complicating cross-country comparisons.
In one side, the BSPS asks respondents: ‘How dissatisfied or satisfied are
81 you with your life overall’ with a scale ladder of 1 to 7 where 7 is
Subjective well-being assessments can vary significantly due to differences in labeling and scaling, as seen in the Euro Barometer Survey, which employs a four-point scale ranging from ‘Completely satisfied’ to ‘Not satisfied at all.’ These inconsistencies in measurement can create challenges for researchers attempting to correlate data from different sources To address this issue, the Office for National Statistics (ONS), a globally recognized authority in national welfare research, has adopted an eleven-point scale for measuring happiness, ranging from 0 to 10, where 0 indicates ‘not at all’ satisfied and 10 represents ‘completely satisfied’ (ONS, 2011) This standardized approach aims to enhance the reliability and comparability of subjective well-being data.
An eleven-point scale is widely utilized in international surveys due to its ease of use and convenience, as evidenced by research conducted by Blanchflower (2007), Conceição (2008), Denise (2010), and Nef.
To enhance the quality of subjective well-being estimates, it is essential to consider several methodological factors Key issues that warrant careful examination include the mode of interview, the order of questions, the overall context in which questions are presented, and the selection of response scales.
Pudney (2010) found that subjective well-being scores are generally higher when interviews are conducted face-to-face rather than through self-completion, especially among female respondents This phenomenon is referred to as the mode of interview problem Additionally, the use of show-cards can assist respondents and enhance the quality of the data collected.
This research identifies 83 distinct mode effects that arise between various interviewing methods, such as telephone and household interviews, highlighting their unique applications The face-to-face interview is favored due to its cost-effectiveness, ease of processing, and the interviewer’s ability to better observe and engage with participants.
Question order and context effects can significantly impact the validity of interview responses, as they may distort outcomes based on the immediate context and the respondent’s mood This issue was explored by researchers Stract, Martin, and Schwarz.
In a study conducted by Stract et al (1987), it was found that individuals who felt fortunate reported significantly higher life satisfaction before completing a questionnaire The sequence of questions in subjective well-being surveys can greatly influence responses; for instance, when students were asked about their life satisfaction before their dating habits, the two appeared uncorrelated However, reversing the order revealed a strong correlation, indicating that dating habits significantly impact life satisfaction Kahneman and Krueger (2006) further explored this concept, suggesting that in large-scale, representative samples, the effects of question order and context may be less pronounced, potentially averaging out in the results.
Feedback from members of the Advisory Forum indicated that the placement of questions in surveys can significantly influence respondents' answers For instance, positioning a happiness self-report question after inquiries about health or employment may skew the responses regarding happiness levels This underscores the importance of interviewers establishing rapport with respondents before asking sensitive questions.
Eighty-five subjective well-being questions were posed prior to inquiries about marriage status and family relationships to minimize their influence on responses This intentional question order was designed in accordance with the Advisory Forum's recommendations to ensure the study's objectivity.
The wording of survey questions can significantly influence respondents' answers, particularly in subjective well-being assessments This methodological consideration is crucial, as variations in question phrasing and response scales can affect the accuracy of estimates To address this issue, the research aimed to enhance the clarity of interviews by employing straightforward and 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
This research highlights the importance of effectively presenting subjective well-being data for policymakers and the public While using thresholds to categorize individuals based on an 11-point scale could illustrate the percentage of people above or below a certain level, the OECD cautions against this approach They argue that significant variations in responses within countries may not correspond to equivalent changes in the overall average, making the results highly sensitive to the chosen threshold.
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:
It the function, we use many symbols such as W, A, B, C and β1, β2, β3 to represent the variables and coefficients are used in this research In which,
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,
C is a vector of personality variables that affect individual well-being and ε is error term.
Previous studies have examined how factors A and B influence individuals' happiness levels (W) This research opts to focus solely on the effects of A and B without including specific individual factors (C) in the well-being function estimation The validity of this approach hinges on the assumption that excluding vector C does not bias the estimates of A and B on W It is assumed that the error terms for A, B, and C are uncorrelated, and that the impact of vector C on W is minimal compared to A and B, allowing C to be incorporated into the error term.
Thus, the new model can be used in study is General function: W = β1A + β2B + ε’
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.
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 relationship's direction and magnitude with happiness levels, suggesting that B influences well-being across various life domains, as noted in previous research (Graham, Eggers, and Sukhtankar, 2011; Easterlin, 2005a) While this study does not focus on establishing causality, it employs weighted least squares (WLS) analysis to assess the independent impact of these variables on happiness, holding other factors constant.
Research indicates that the relationship between age and happiness often 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, the concept of diminishing marginal utility in household income suggests that a log-linear model may effectively represent this economic characteristic.
Totally, the detailed function is formulated as follows: β7Eemployed + β8 House + β9 Crime + β10 B.A + β11 Married + β12 Physical + β13Mental + β14Local + ε’
This thesis aims to identify the variables influencing individual happiness, focusing on factors such as age, location, log(income), sex, children, employment status, housing, education level (B.A.), marital status, and both physical and mental health The study anticipates that age, location, log(income), sex, children, employment, housing, education, marital status, and health will positively affect happiness, while crime is expected to have a negative impact.
The hypothesis statement can be stated as below:
It is expected that all variables may have effects on individual happiness.
3.2.4 The description of variables use in this research
This article explores various variables that measure individual happiness, with detailed definitions provided in the first chapter In this section, we will briefly summarize the variables listed in Table 1.
W = β1 + β2Age + β3 Age 2 + β4 Location + β5 Log(Income) β6 Sex + β8Child
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 Table 1-The description of variables use in the thesis
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
This chapter outlines the data collection methodology utilized in the research, detailing the use of the probability proportional to size (PPS) sampling method Additionally, face-to-face interviews were conducted with the assistance of computer technology to gather the necessary data effectively.
The chapter also expresses some limitations in gathering data as well as designing questionnaire following ONS approach These restrictions include,amongst others,
VariableExpected sign of coefcient In the research of
+*** Shiqing J., Ming L and Hiroshi S., 2012 Log(Income) +*** Easterlin R., 2005b
House +* Clark, Paul and Shields, 2007
Ohtake F., 2012& Di Tella et al., 2001
Frey and Stutzer (2002) and Helliwell (2003) highlight the significance of various factors such as response scales, interview modes, and question order in survey research Their study identifies an appropriate detailed model and formulates a hypothesis statement, incorporating fourteen variables that are analyzed for their expected impact.
Table 2 - Literature findings on determinants affecting happiness level
*** The relationship is very clear
** The relationship is not clear
* The relationship is very ambiguous Source: From author’s synthesis
Analysis result
The empirical analysis
The empirical Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) results indicate a significant disparity between the F value's significance and the t value's insignificance The correlation coefficients presented in Appendix 1 suggest the presence of multicollinearity However, the application of the variance inflation factor (VIF) demonstrates that there is no severe multicollinearity or high correlation among the variables.
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 results, with the average coefficient representing the anticipated change in happiness levels corresponding to a one-unit change in the relevant variable.
Table 4 presents the findings of the happiness level equation derived from a sample of 300 individuals aged 16 to 65 in Binh Dinh province To address the issue of heteroscedasticity, the study 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 those obtained from the WLS method 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 importance of a thorough investigation into this matter The subsequent section will closely examine these issues in detail.
The WLS analysis results support the established 'u-shaped' relationship between age and happiness, indicating that happiness declines until approximately 39 years of age, after which it tends to increase again This finding contrasts with existing literature regarding the age at which this turning point occurs.
99 countries, the extreme point is around 45 years old but in Binh Dinh case, the happiness level might reach the
10 bottom point at earlier period than those people researched in other researches through their life.
Research indicates that gender significantly influences happiness levels, with findings showing that women generally report higher happiness than men, even when controlling for other variables This aligns with previous studies, such as those by Sam Waldron (2010) and Mookerjee and Beron (2005), although the relationship is less pronounced compared to other factors Notably, the data suggests that women tend to manage their emotions and temper more effectively than men, contributing to their higher average happiness levels.
Living in a city has a positive, though less significant, impact on individual happiness levels in Binh Dinh province The presence of urban residents contributes to happiness similarly to having a partner, with a stronger influence than having a spouse This finding is consistent with existing academic literature The benefits of urban living, such as increased safety, easier job access, improved healthcare availability, and enhanced entertainment options, contribute to better mental health However, the overall impact of this urban living variable appears to be modest and less pronounced.
The estimated coefficient reflects a net effect that balances both positive and negative influences The negative factors, such as high product prices, elevated unemployment rates, and environmental pollution, diminish the overall positive impact Consequently, the net effect for this variable remains small and ambiguous.
Research indicates a significant relationship between happiness levels and both physical and mental health, with mental health playing a more crucial role in individual happiness than physical health In Binh Dinh province, the contribution of mental health to happiness is approximately 1.3, compared to 3.5 in European countries, highlighting differing perceptions
0.33 respectively in mental health and physical health must vary one unit in reported happiness level The research, moreover, also reveals that the estimated coefficient for physical health is smaller than that for mental health, implying that the impact of mental health makes one’s happiness level greater.
The relationship between education and happiness is complex, as higher qualifications tend to correlate positively with happiness, yet this connection remains statistically insignificant A key reason for this phenomenon is that individuals with advanced qualifications often face unique challenges and pressures that can offset the anticipated benefits of their education.
10 can enjoy social life better and has positive perception about everything on their life as well as they
Higher income has a direct correlation with increased happiness levels, and possessing a degree positively influences happiness when controlling for other factors Research indicates that education affects overall happiness indirectly through variables like employment and income, as well as individual perception In Binh Dinh province, there is a notable disparity where individuals with higher degrees often hold less satisfactory jobs, while those with lower degrees may earn more, resulting in a complex and less positive net effect on happiness Nevertheless, having a degree can contribute to overall happiness in this context.
Household income has a significant positive impact on happiness, aligning with international research Although the effect size is not large, the findings indicate that as income rises, so does the level of happiness.
This study reveals that the growth rate of household income significantly impacts the happiness levels of the people in Binh Dinh, more so than in other countries Specifically, a one percent increase in income correlates with an increase of 0.85 units in reported happiness.
In Binh Dinh province, a surprising finding reveals that unemployment may positively influence an individual's happiness level, contradicting international literature that typically associates employment with increased happiness The weighted least squares analysis indicates that having a job does not necessarily lead to greater happiness, as the results are vague and insignificant This suggests that individuals may experience discomfort or low income in their jobs, leading them to prefer household responsibilities or a jobless state over actively seeking employment.
Owning a home positively influences individuals' comfort and happiness in life, although the impact is relatively modest Additionally, social life and community relationships play a crucial role in shaping these 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).
Living with a partner generally enhances happiness levels, as supported by academic literature, albeit with a modest impact This positive effect can be linked to indirect benefits such as improved income and better mental or physical health A spouse provides companionship, alleviating feelings of loneliness and boosting mood and emotional well-being Additionally, having a partner can reduce daily consumption pressures However, in the context of Binh Dinh, being married may also have negative implications, as individuals may feel increased responsibilities and pressure to work harder for their families.
It can lead to stress (mental and physical health deduction, then, lessen in his or her happiness feeling) Afterward, the net effect could be not clear and rather small.
The presence of children in a family, alongside having a partner, positively impacts parents' happiness However, this influence on happiness is indirect, often mediated by factors such as physical health, mental well-being, and income Family dynamics are a significant concern in Vietnamese society, particularly in recent years, as family issues have gained attention in both academic and political spheres There is a growing discourse on family and family culture in Vietnam, seen as a vital strategy to counteract the encroachment of Western culture during a period of significant transformation.
10 5 industrialization - scale urbanization and increasing speed In this society, having children are always one of the most
Conclusion and ruture research directions
Limitation and future research directions
The current study presents several limitations that should be acknowledged when assessing its findings and contributions It is essential to critically analyze both the results and the overall research Nevertheless, some of these identified limitations may provide valuable insights for future research within the same context.
The study faces significant limitations due to the broad and complex nature of measuring happiness levels, making it challenging to address this extensive social phenomenon effectively The narrow empirical background further complicates the research, as the case study reveals inherent constraints in accurately capturing the concepts, ideas, and approaches related to happiness.
11 reasonable ways, then; it is fairly complex for readers to follow However, by understanding something about this
11 7 particular case, it also provides a conceptual framework as well as efficient tools for further study.
One limitation of this study is the varying levels of awareness regarding sociology and psychology concepts among readers While the research presents logical perspectives and theoretical analyses, the complexity of the ideas may hinder comprehension To address this, the study prioritizes a general overview of previous findings, which, while convenient for problem examination, could lead to misunderstandings Additionally, the decision to simplify the number of variables used may raise questions about the robustness of the research Although existing literature provides substantial arguments and explanations, this study intentionally omits certain variables to create a clearer framework for future research The diverse theoretical perspectives on the selected variables may introduce ambiguity, but careful clarification of their meanings and relationships is essential before integration Ultimately, understanding the significance and connections of these variables is crucial for constructing a model that aligns with both literature and real-world contexts.
Future research should address several key issues highlighted by this study, particularly the need to expand the study's scale beyond a single province Additionally, exploring other relevant factors and variables will enhance the comprehensiveness of the findings.
11 need be identified is the interconnection, interplay between the determinants and the model in order to have the most precise perspective on these factors.
To enhance the research framework, it is essential to incorporate diverse perspectives; however, integrating all these factors into a single study poses significant challenges Consequently, concepts like subjective well-being, objective well-being, and happiness warrant exploration in separate papers to ensure thorough investigation and clarity.
Conducting the study in various regions of 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 utilized a limited sample size, representing only a small fraction of the entire provincial population Expanding the sample scope and incorporating additional variables in future studies is essential Exploring this topic through diverse methodologies and broader areas can yield exciting insights While this paper has made contributions in a specific area, further modifications and enhancements are necessary for future research endeavors.
The relationships observed in this research may be influenced by biases stemming from the common methods used to measure happiness levels and response variance effects Additionally, the varying awareness of interviewees can compromise the objectivity of the collected data Consequently, this raises valid concerns about the effectiveness of the study in accurately measuring cognitive behavior Nevertheless, the primary aim of the study is to assess self-evaluated perceptions, irrespective of whether the data is objective or subjective.
Future research should incorporate more qualitative data collection methods to enhance the breadth of perspectives in the current study, addressing the limitations of the qualitative methodology previously employed.
The relationship between happiness and various influencing factors is significant, as demonstrated by numerous studies, including those conducted by C Graham Understanding these cause-and-effect dynamics is essential for exploring how different variables robustly impact overall happiness.
A Eggers and S Sukhtankar (2004) has confirmed that cause-effect using Russian panel This study concludes that people who were happier made more money and were in better health in a survey 5 years later Then, providing evidence that income improves happiness significantly, happier people afterward are found to have a lower marginal propensity to consume and they tend to save more, spend less than before Then, happier people take more time to make decisions and have more control over expenditures, so people can invest and earn higher income in the future As a result, happiness itself affects health, positive cognitive bias such as control, self- esteem, optimism and other factors For further research, this relationship should be involved in advantage.
In conclusion, the findings in this happiness sector should bring policy- makers resourceful information for designing polices for social development ofBinh Dinh province.
Heteroskedasticity Test: Breusch-Pagan-Godfrey
The co rr e l a ti o n m a trix b e tw ee n variables
Correlation t-Statistic AGE AREA B_A CHILD CRIME EMPLOYED HOME INCOME LOCAL LOG(INCOME) MARRIED MENTAL PHYSICAL SEX
Obs*R-squared 42.97563 Prob Chi-Square(14) 0.0001
Scaled explained SS 38.74766 Prob Chi-Square(14) 0.0004
Method: Least Squares Date: 03/26/09 Time: 00:41 Sample: 1 300
Variable Coefficient Std Error t-Statistic Prob.
Adjusted R-squared 0.101166 S.D dependent var 0.368692 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
Weighted Least Squares analysis result
Weight type: Standard deviation (average scaling)
White heteroskedasticity-consistent standard errors & covariance
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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