Happiness notation
Well-being concept
Well-being is a fundamental concept related to happiness, though it is challenging to define clearly It generally stems from our connections and relationships, which provide meaning to our lives Close personal relationships offer familiarity, belonging, and support, making them crucial for our well-being, while isolation can be particularly distressing (Eckersley, 2004) Nic Marks (2007) further conceptualized well-being with the insightful phrases: "Doing well - feeling good" and "Doing good - feeling well," highlighting the dual aspects of well-being.
‘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 perceptions, often referred to as one's happiness level or satisfaction The subsequent term underscores the evidence supporting this paper's claims, particularly in developing countries It is evident that the moral dimension frequently encompasses religious beliefs, along with cultural and social characteristics that are vital to human existence Therefore, well-being transcends merely achieving "the good life" and emphasizes "living a good life." This concept addresses not only individual preferences but also deeper core values, reflecting an understanding of the world as it is and how it ought to be Furthermore, it reinforces the significance of moral awareness regarding one's comfort in their place in the world, which is closely linked to 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 subjective and objective approaches The subjective approach assesses well-being through observable evidence, such as 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 measured by income or GDP To enhance this understanding, multidimensional well-being measures have been developed, incorporating environmental and social factors alongside economic indicators (Sumner, 2006).
McGillivray, 2007) or monetizing different demeanors that are not computed in the GDP measurement, such as, environmental and social aspects (McGillivray,
The objective approach to assessing national well-being has significant limitations, as it necessitates that researchers determine the most critical indicators for evaluation and monitoring before making any judgments.
Subjective measures of well-being (SWB) directly reflect individuals' real experiences and feelings, providing a more personal estimation of well-being through ordinal measures Unlike objective approaches, SWB avoids the necessity for preconceived notions about what defines a good life and mitigates paternalistic assumptions regarding factors that influence individual well-being.
The assessment of individual well-being is significant as it encourages people to reflect on their own perspectives and evaluate their overall quality of life.
Three dimensions theory
White gives another approach to measuring well-being The paper claimed that:”
The notion of an 'objective' category is difficult to defend when prioritizing a person-centered approach to well-being, as every individual, including officials and academics, views and articulates their perspectives from a specific standpoint, lacking an unbiased, universal viewpoint.
Well-being is primarily shaped by specific social and cultural contexts, indicating that there is no purely objective definition that exists independently of a particular society or culture.
The concept of well-being encompasses both material and intangible aspects, highlighting their intrinsic connection While standard of living and material welfare are essential components, they do not overshadow the significance of justice, rights, security, and freedom Sen (1991) emphasizes that happiness is vital in people's lives, yet it is crucial to prioritize these fundamental elements for a holistic understanding of well-being.
White's "three dimensions of well-being" model, introduced in 2008 by WeD, emphasizes the multifaceted nature of well-being.
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 significant interdependence among three key components of well-being, highlighting that the existence of one element is contingent upon the others This visual representation emphasizes the interconnected nature of these elements, suggesting that they collectively contribute to overall well-being.
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 here are likely to interact with other established discussions and may even exhibit similarities in certain cases.
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, encompassing aspects like health and education, is essential alongside other forms of capital such as material, natural, physical, and financial assets In addition to personal ownership, there are common property resources that individuals can utilize to enhance their capabilities.
The relational dimensions of well-being encompass intimate relationships, such as romantic partnerships and familial care Additionally, these dimensions are shaped by traditional components of social capital, including labor unions, women's unions, and trade unions Interactions with local authorities and their services, such as policies, laws, and social security programs, also play a significant role in influencing overall well-being.
The subjective dimensions of well-being relate to individuals' perceptions of what they consider good, their feelings about their lives, and the lifelong desires they pursue This aspect is a crucial component of personal happiness, yet it remains influenced by prior dimensions of well-being.
Prinz and Bünger (2012) emphasize that fulfilling basic needs is essential for individuals, as reducing the time spent on these needs can lead to increased productivity This enhanced productivity allows people to accumulate wealth, ultimately enabling them to dedicate more time to pursuing happiness and improving their overall well-being.
In psychology, while subjective well-being (SWB), life satisfaction, and happiness are often used interchangeably, they have distinct meanings Happiness is a narrower concept compared to SWB, which encompasses both life satisfaction and happiness as its components, highlighting subtle differences between the two notions.
The life satisfaction expresses one’s received distance from their expectations while happiness concept comes from how an individual equilibrate between the negative affect and positive
Subjective well-being (SWB) is often equated with the concept of "being happy," while terms like "satisfaction" and "happiness" are viewed as expressions of "feeling happy." Economists have historically used "happiness" and "life satisfaction" interchangeably to assess subjective well-being (Easterlin).
Despite ongoing discussions since 2004, a clear consensus on the definition of "happiness" remains elusive However, in practical applications, subjective well-being (SWB) data can effectively measure happiness or life satisfaction, as these concepts are closely related.
Conceptual framework
This study presents a conceptual framework illustrated in Figure 2, which outlines the interconnections among three key 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
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Determinants of Happiness
Happiness and Social Determinants
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 evolution, marked by advancements 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
Gross domestic product (GDP) has experienced an average annual increase of 10.7%, with the industrial and construction sectors growing by 15.2%, agriculture, forestry, and fisheries by 7.1%, and services by 11.2% The value of industrial production rose by an average of 15.7% per year GDP per capita surged from approximately $220 in 2000 to $400 in 2005 and $900 in 2010, reflecting a nearly 50% increase over each five-year period, which is notably high compared to other regions Economic growth is viewed as a crucial objective for enhancing welfare policies, as improving material living standards is a key pathway to increasing individual well-being In Binh Dinh, the recent rise in income has been associated with significant contributions to overall well-being.
The economic structure of the province has shown a positive shift over the years In 2000, the contributions of agriculture, forestry, fisheries, construction, and services were 42.2%, 22.8%, and 35%, respectively By 2005, these figures changed to 38.4%, 26.7%, and 34.9%, and in 2010, they further evolved to 35%, 27.4%, and 37.6% Overall, the industrial sector is experiencing significant development.
The Nhon Hoi economic zone has seen significant development, with the establishment of multiple industrial clusters and enhanced infrastructure, leading to growth in trade, services, and tourism This economic restructuring has positively impacted personal income; however, GDP per capita does not reflect income distribution or equality, meaning that growth may not benefit all individuals equally Despite an average annual export increase of 10.2% and substantial investment mobilization of 37.8 trillion VND from 2006 to 2010, which accounted for 40.2% of GDP, disparities in well-being persist The labor structure is shifting away from agriculture, forestry, and fisheries towards industrial and service sectors, contributing to the province's overall development.
Binh Dinh is actively accelerating the construction of 8 planned industrial zones, covering 1,761 hectares, and 37 industrial clusters spanning 1,519.37 hectares, with a particular focus on the Nhon Hoi Economic Zone, which encompasses 12,000 hectares, including 1,300 hectares designated for industrial parks The province is also developing Quy Nhon City, aiming to establish it as a growth center in the southern region and a transportation hub for the Central Highlands Additionally, significant infrastructure projects are being constructed to connect northern and southern areas with east-west routes Binh Dinh is promoting its key economic sectors, leveraging its advantages in processing industries, forestry, agriculture, fisheries, handicrafts, building materials, footwear, garments, mechanical engineering, deep-water seaport operations, electrical and electronic manufacturing, power generation, tourism, marine services, and financial services, including banking and telecommunications.
Binh Dinh Province aims to achieve an average GDP growth rate of 10% in the coming years by focusing on restoring economic growth Key strategies include enhancing the investment environment, promoting industrial production, and developing services to stimulate economic growth To support these objectives, the province will strengthen managerial measures to alleviate challenges faced by businesses and promote effective investment in projects A particular emphasis will be placed on reforming administrative procedures, improving the investment climate, and addressing delays in the implementation of key investment projects.
The Binh Dinh provincial government is currently reviewing investment projects, particularly the Nhon Hoi international deep-water port project This project, which has a total investment of nearly $1.2 billion and began in 2007, faced non-implementation issues, leading the government to withdraw and transfer the project to the Vietnam Maritime Corporation for further research and investment.
The province will implement targeted strategies to encourage investors to swiftly fulfill their project schedule commitments, including 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, gender, relationship status, educational qualifications, home ownership, employment status, and urban living The following sections will offer an overview of these elements, providing readers with a solid framework for their research.
The development and enhancement of educational infrastructure, training, and vocational programs are crucial for meeting diverse learning needs and fostering human resource growth In the 2009-2010 school year, there were 46,000 kindergarten children and 307,300 school pupils, ensuring the maintenance of primary education and literacy, which has been stable since 2004 Additionally, early childhood education is prioritized as a foundation for primary education, with significant improvements in educational facilities across many localities, leaving only four communes without preschool classes Recent policy changes have positively impacted teacher treatment, leading to substantial investments in their development.
Quy Nhon University is recognized as a leading institution for training new teachers in the country, particularly noted for its esteemed pedagogical department The university is committed to meeting national standards and enhancing its infrastructure to ensure high-quality teaching and learning comparable to other regions Over the past five years, it has successfully trained and retrained more than 10,000 participants, creating job opportunities for over 12,000 employees The scale of higher education and colleges is expanding, with training programs for educational facilities being continuously upgraded and renewed In Binh Dinh, there is a strong emphasis on both higher education and elite educational initiatives, striving to align with global trends in universal higher education while maintaining a focus on excellence.
The municipal government has introduced various policies to ensure that all children, especially those from ethnic minorities and disadvantaged areas, have access to education A key focus is on issuing government bonds to support educational initiatives in mountainous and underprivileged regions, aimed at building schools and enhancing living standards to reduce poverty This effort 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 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 underprivileged and providing free medical services for children under six Continuous investment in public health prevention underscores the commitment to improving community health outcomes.
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, according to the Binh Dinh Public Health Care Center This progress aligns with averages in other regions of the country and Southeast Asia, serving as strong evidence of the success of public health improvement programs.
In the social aspect, for Binh Dinh province, ensuring better social security and social welfare has always been an advocate and tasks of the municipal government
Efforts to support vulnerable populations are crucial for sustainable development and socio-political stability In recent decades, the government has prioritized social security and welfare, focusing on poverty alleviation and socio-economic development to improve living standards Key policies and programs have been implemented to mobilize resources for helping the poor overcome challenges These initiatives target three main areas: enhancing access to public services like healthcare and education, supporting production development through favorable land and credit policies, and improving essential infrastructure in underserved communities As a result, significant progress has been made in poverty reduction, with the percentage of poor households decreasing from 19.66% in 2006 to approximately 7.23% in 2010 Despite rising inequality between urban and rural areas, social security expenditures have increased, contributing to overall social stability.
Some remained obstructions
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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 still living 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 Resources for social security and welfare are limited, primarily reliant on a constrained state budget, resulting in low coverage and inadequate support levels Additionally, existing insurance options fail to address the diverse needs of the population, and the overall quality of services remains subpar, leaving many challenges in improving the subjective 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.
For centuries, Confucianism's "male-contempt" ideology relegated women in feudal Vietnamese society to the status of mere "shadows" of men However, over 60 years after the 1946 Constitution recognized women's rights as "feminist," Vietnam has made significant strides toward achieving gender equality.
Vietnam has implemented numerous action programs aimed at reducing gender discrimination and inequality These initiatives have been formalized into government policies and laws, such as the promulgation of the Gender Equality Law.
In 2006, Vietnam established the Law on Prevention of Family Violence, reflecting its commitment to gender equality at both provincial and local levels, a rarity among countries worldwide The Human Development Report of the same year ranked Vietnam 11th globally in gender equality, surpassing many developing nations According to the 2007 Global Gender Gap Report by the World Economic Forum, Vietnam held the second position in gender equality within ASEAN and East Asia Binh Dinh province has benefited from this progress, with women's roles in the community becoming increasingly significant However, remnants of feudal ideologies persist in some remote areas, where inadequate gender conditions and family violence remain pressing issues that require substantial efforts to address.
In recent years, Binh Dinh province has witnessed a concerning rise in divorce rates, highlighting alarming trends in marriage and family relationships In 2000, the provincial People's Court recorded 657 cases related to marriage and family issues.
In 2010, a total of 1,192 divorce cases were accepted, marking an 181% increase in handled cases compared to 2000 Notably, 321 of these cases, or 48.85%, were initiated by wives Additionally, 120 cases involved individuals under 30 years old, representing 37.38% of the total, while there were 6 cases where wives sought separation at the age of 60.
Lenore J (1981) posits that divorce represents a detrimental aspect of society She suggests that the family unit serves as the fundamental building block of society, implying that stronger families contribute positively to the overall well-being of the community.
A healthy society cannot thrive when the family unit is fragmented, leading to uncertainty about the future of its members While some argue that divorce signifies societal progress due to the inevitability of marital conflicts, it raises questions about the well-being of individuals involved In Binh Dinh province, the implications of divorce are complex, making it difficult to label the situation as purely negative or positive Research suggests that, in some cases, individuals may achieve a higher level of 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, which collectively attract investment These advantages suggest a promising trajectory for steady and high economic growth, ultimately enhancing 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 several challenges in promoting regional cultural development, particularly due to the negative impacts of the market mechanism, which has led to a rapid pursuit of money and fame at the expense of traditional culture In recent years, efforts have been made to mitigate these challenges to ensure they do not hinder the growth of Binh Dinh's cultural identity Improved policies aimed at attracting skilled workers and experienced cultural-art teams have fostered 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 building an advanced cultural identity that aligns with national values, ultimately enhancing the well-being of its residents.
Chapter Three Data and Methodology
To gain a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing an individual's subjective well-being, it is essential to gather data and employ a quantitative approach to identify the appropriate relationships among these variables.
Therefore, this chapter intentionally provides a proper method to collect data as well as methodology should be involved in this research.
Data
Data description
While there are numerous international studies on happiness and its correlations, the empirical researches on this topic seem rather new and ambiguous in Vietnam
The study focuses on Binh Dinh province to promote further research in this area Primary data collection occurred from June to July 2012, involving a total of 300 observations from participants of various ages.
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 aid of computer technology.
PPS, or Probability Proportional to Size, is a sampling method where the likelihood of selecting a unit is directly related to its population size This ensures that larger sites have an equal chance of being included in the sample as smaller sites, and vice versa Commonly utilized in surveys and mini-surveys, PPS provides a random sample that enhances the reliability of the data collected (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 The study examined 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 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.
The questionnaire design- ONS approach
This research utilizes a questionnaire primarily based on the ONS model, which is the most current and effective tool for gathering data on well-being It addresses and corrects issues found in previous studies, including interview mode, question order, wording, and context effects Additionally, the questionnaire has been scientifically adapted to fit the context of Binh Dinh province, including a Vietnamese translation and a more localized interviewing approach.
Measuring subjective well-being (SWB) relies on self-reported evaluations of life satisfaction from interviewees Commonly used questions in research, such as asking respondents to rate their happiness on a scale from "very happy" to "not at all happy," facilitate this assessment (ONS, 2011) However, a significant challenge in the international statistical system is the difficulty in comparing well-being across countries due to varying national measures and the absence of a standardized scale Consequently, different surveys employ diverse scales for subjective well-being, exemplified by the BSPS, which asks respondents to rate their overall life satisfaction on a ladder scale from 1 to 10.
The Euro Barometer Survey employs a four-point scale for subjective well-being questions, contrasting with a seven-point scale where 7 indicates 'Completely satisfied' and 1 signifies 'Not satisfied at all.' This discrepancy in labeling and scaling can significantly influence respondents' answers, warranting careful consideration Additionally, varying scales across different surveys can create confusion and complicate the correlation of diverse data sources The Office for National Statistics (ONS), a globally respected organization in this field, highlights the importance of standardization in survey methodologies.
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 represents 'completely' (ONS, 2011) This scale is favored for its simplicity and convenience, making it widely applicable in international research on subjective well-being, as evidenced by studies such as Blanchflower (2007) and Conceição (2008).
To enhance the quality of subjective well-being estimates, it is essential to consider various methodological factors Key issues to examine include the mode of interview, the order of questions, the overall context in which questions are presented, and the selection of measurement scales.
Research by Pudney (2010) indicates 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 may create 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 ability for interviewers to better observe their respondents.
The order of questions and contextual effects can significantly impact interview processing, leading to distorted outcomes influenced by immediate context and the respondent's mood Research by Stract, Martin, and Schwarz (1987) demonstrated that individuals who experienced good fortune before completing a questionnaire reported higher life satisfaction and happiness Additionally, earlier questions in a subjective well-being survey can strongly affect responses to later questions.
In a 1987 survey conducted among U.S students, researchers explored the relationship between life satisfaction and dating habits When the life satisfaction question preceded the dating question, the responses showed no correlation, indicating that dating was not a significant factor in students' well-being Conversely, reversing the order of the questions revealed a strong correlation, suggesting that dating plays a crucial role in life satisfaction Kahneman and Krueger (2006) later expanded on this concept, asserting that in large-scale samples, the order and context of questions have minimal impact on results, particularly in representative samples.
Feedback from the Advisory Forum indicated that the order of questions in surveys could significantly affect respondents' answers, particularly regarding happiness self-reports Placing a happiness question after inquiries about health or employment may skew responses Therefore, it is essential for interviewers to establish rapport with respondents before asking subjective well-being questions, especially those related to marriage or family relationships Consequently, the questionnaire's structure was designed based on the Advisory Forum's insights to promote an objective study.
Question wording can significantly impact interview results, particularly in surveys measuring subjective well-being This methodological consideration is crucial, as variations in question phrasing and response scales can influence the estimates obtained To address this, the research focused on formulating simple, easily understandable questions for all interviewees, ensuring clarity and consistency in responses.
Finally, the survey included both objective and subjective measures to capture the most of respondent’s life aspects.
Methodology
Heteroscedasticity test
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
F-statistic 3.403806 Prob F(14,285) 0.0000 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 tot nghiep down load thyj uyi pl aluan van full moi nhat z z vbhtj mk gmail.com Luan van retey thac si cdeg jg hg
Analysis result
This procedure yields clear and interpretable results The average coefficient represents the anticipated change in happiness levels associated with a one-unit change in the relevant variable.
The study presented in Table 4 outlines the happiness level equation results based on a sample from Binh Dinh province, comprising 300 observations aged between 16 and 65 years To address the issue of heteroscedasticity, the weighted least squares (WLS) method with robust standard errors was employed The estimated coefficients are organized into two columns, each containing four distinct groups, as shown in the table below.
The table presents an analysis of estimated coefficients for each variable, highlighting the correlation coefficients obtained through the OLS method in the first column and comparing them to those derived from the WLS method in the third column.
Table 4- WLS and OLS analysis result
0.13041* tot nghiep down load thyj uyi pl aluan van full moi nhat z z vbhtj mk gmail.com Luan van retey thac si cdeg jg hg
Social life and community Relationships Crime Local Married Child
Source: Data analysis for the study
Analysis examination
Education and health determinants
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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 of health's importance In developed nations, advancements in healthcare may lead to a reduced emphasis on physical health, while complex job environments can exacerbate mental health issues Numerous international studies confirm that health status is a key determinant of happiness, with weighted least squares analysis showing robust effects from both mental and physical health Specifically, a one-unit change in mental health correlates with a 0.42 variation in happiness, while physical health corresponds to a 0.33 variation, underscoring the greater impact of mental health on overall happiness.
The relationship between education and happiness is complex and somewhat unclear While higher qualifications are generally associated with increased happiness, the correlation is not always significant One reason for this is that individuals with higher education often enjoy a better social life and have a more positive outlook on their circumstances, which can lead to higher income and, consequently, greater happiness Research indicates that having a degree positively impacts happiness, even when accounting for other factors Additionally, education may influence happiness indirectly through variables like employment and income In Binh Dinh province, the disparity between highly educated individuals who struggle to find good jobs and those with lower qualifications who earn more creates a less straightforward relationship between education and happiness Nonetheless, higher education can contribute to overall happiness in this context.
Economic and work determinants
Household income has a significant positive effect on happiness, aligning with international research findings Although the impact is consistent with expectations, the magnitude of this effect is relatively small, indicating that as income rises, happiness levels also tend to increase.
This research concludes that the household income growth rate significantly impacts the happiness levels of Binh Dinh residents, more so than in other countries Specifically, a one percent increase in income corresponds to 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 Contrary to international literature, weighted least squares analysis does not support the notion that employment correlates with increased happiness The results, though vague and insignificant, suggest that individuals with jobs do not necessarily report higher happiness than those without This could be attributed to discomfort and low income associated with employment, leading some to prefer household tasks or a jobless lifestyle over seeking employment.
Owning a house 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 small magnitude of the coefficient.
Conclusion and ruture research directions
Limitation and future research directions
The current study has notable limitations that should be considered when assessing its findings and contributions It is essential to critically analyze both the results and the overall research Nevertheless, some of the identified limitations may provide insights for future research in the same area.
The study's primary limitation lies in its narrow knowledge scale, focusing on the complex and expansive social phenomenon of happiness measurement This challenge arises from the difficulty of addressing such a multifaceted issue with limited empirical background Consequently, the case study presents several constraints that hinder the clear presentation of concepts and ideas, making it challenging for readers to comprehend Nevertheless, by examining this specific case, the research offers a conceptual framework and valuable tools for future investigations.
This study faces limitations regarding the awareness of sociology and psychology concepts, making it challenging to follow the presented ideas Instead of detailing every concept, the research emphasizes previous findings from a general perspective, which, while convenient for problem examination, may lead to misunderstandings Additionally, the choice to limit the number of variables used raises questions, as the literature offers robust arguments for various approaches The decision to simplify the reality and provide a framework for future research is based on the diverse theoretical perspectives available, which can introduce ambiguity and complexity Ultimately, it is crucial to clarify the meanings and relationships of these variables before integrating them into the model, ensuring a comprehensive understanding that aligns with both literature and real-world applications.
Future research should address several key issues identified in this study, primarily the need to expand the study's scale beyond a single province 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 research framework, it is essential to incorporate various additional perspectives However, integrating all these factors into a single study would be complex Consequently, concepts like subjective well-being, objective well-being, and happiness should be explored in separate papers.
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, representing only a small fraction of the province's population Expanding the sample scope and incorporating additional variables will be crucial for future studies Exploring this topic through diverse areas and methodologies, rather than adhering to traditional approaches, presents an exciting opportunity While this paper addresses a specific aspect, it is clear that further modifications and enhancements are necessary in subsequent research.
In addition, the observed relationships may be biased in the research by using common method of measuring happiness level or response variance effect
The awareness of interviewees in this research varies, leading to concerns about the objectivity of the collected data This raises valid criticisms regarding the effectiveness of the study in measuring cognitive behavior However, 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 greater emphasis on qualitative data collection methods to offer a broader perspective, addressing the limitations of the qualitative methodology utilized in the current study.
The final consideration revolves around the cause-and-effect relationships between happiness and various influencing factors Research by C Graham, A Eggers, and S demonstrates significant impacts of these variables on overall happiness.
Sukhtankar (2004) confirmed a cause-effect relationship using a Russian panel study, concluding that individuals who reported higher levels of happiness earned more and enjoyed better health five years later The findings provide evidence that increased income significantly enhances happiness, as happier individuals exhibit a lower marginal propensity to consume, leading them to save more and spend less than they did previously.
Happier individuals tend to spend more time on decision-making and exercise greater control over their spending, enabling them to invest wisely and potentially increase their future income Consequently, happiness positively influences health and fosters cognitive benefits such as a sense of control, self-esteem, and optimism Future research should explore the advantages of this relationship further.
The findings in the happiness sector provide valuable insights for policymakers in Binh Dinh province, aiding in the development of effective social policies.
APPENDICE Appendix 1: Graphs and tables
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
PHYSICAL -0.373495 0.195891 0.270709 -0.117341 -0.254283 0.247185 0.232793 0.606474 0.657872 0.579205 0.072759 0.744107 1 -6.950513 3.448417 tot nghiep down load thyj uyi pl aluan van full moi nhat z z vbhtj mk gmail.com Luan van retey thac si cdeg jg hg
Method: Least Squares Date: 03/26/09 Time: 00:41 Sample: 1 300
Variable Coefficient Std Error t-Statistic Prob
The analysis yielded an adjusted R-squared value of 0.101, indicating a modest explanatory power of the model The standard deviation of the dependent variable was 0.369, while the standard error of regression stood at 0.350 The Akaike information criterion (AIC) was calculated at 0.784, and the Schwarz criterion (BIC) was 0.970 The log likelihood of the model was -102.651, with the Hannan-Quinn criterion at 0.858 The F-statistic was 3.404, with a corresponding probability value of 0.000041, suggesting that the model is statistically significant The Durbin-Watson statistic was recorded at 1.588, indicating a potential concern for autocorrelation in the residuals.
Dependent Variable: HAPPINESS_LEVEL Method: Least Squares
Included observations: 300 Weighting series: LOG(INCOME) 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
Durbin-Watson stat 1.220113 tot nghiep down load thyj uyi pl aluan van full moi nhat z z vbhtj mk gmail.com Luan van retey thac si cdeg jg hg
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?
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 tot nghiep down load thyj uyi pl aluan van full moi nhat z z vbhtj mk gmail.com Luan van retey thac si cdeg jg hg
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