International Journal of Happiness and Development (20 papers in press)

Regular Issues

• Happiness as an Unmet Reality in Pakistan: Discourses of Divorced & Separated Individuals  
  by Saira Batool, Rabia Ali 
  Abstract: This research paper highlights the dilemmas associated with the social construction of marriage versus the ideation of marriage as a modern symbol of unity in contemporary Pakistan. The paper draws on the narratives of sixteen divorced and separated men/women. These findings reveal that women experience marriage differently compared to men. Marital happiness for women is attained in their willingness to act in subordinate and submissive roles due to the hegemonic masculinity of men. The marriage contract in Pakistani society gives an upper hand to men and women are expected to be obedient and respectful. In this study, based on their personal experiences all divorced and separated women considered happiness in marriage merely a temporary situation. Defying the patterns of obedience had led to unhappiness and dissatisfaction in their marital relationships. The major problem had been the inability to accept the ground realities of marriage in its practical form in contrast to their perception of marriage as a romantic and happy relationship. When the ground realities didnt meet their expectations; their relations came to an end leading to social stigma and emotional dilemmas. These findings suggest the need to rethink marriage as a complex and evolving institution in contemporary Pakistan.
  Keywords: Happiness; Divorce; Separation; Marriage; Imagination; Qualitative Methods.
  
  
• Happiness in Kazakhstan  
  by Sholpan Jamanbalayeva, Shyryn Tlenchiyeva 
  Abstract: The average happiness in Kazakhstan is 6.6 on a scale of 0 to 10, which is in the mid-range of the countries happiness ranking. Average happiness rose in Kazakhstan in the 2010s, but in 2009 and 2016, there was a decline in the countrys happiness level. Possible reasons are discussed. Kazakhstanis experience low cognitive satisfaction with much higher levels of emotional well-being, which is also characteristic of developing post-Soviet countries. The inequality of happiness measured by the standard deviation in Kazakhstan is relatively high. According to this indicator, the country is in the mid-range in the ranking list. The correlates of happiness in Kazakhstan in several parameters differ from the pattern usually observed in developed countries and reflect those typical for developing countries of the post-Soviet space.
  Keywords: life satisfaction; world ranking; comparative analysis; trend; post-soviet space; correlation; happiness; subjective well-being.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJHD.2023.10061101
   
  
• Happiness in Romania  
  by Sergiu Bălțătescu 
  Abstract: Eastern European country, member of European Union, Romania has left behind the communist experience and consolidated its option for a free society. Data available in World Database of Happiness (WDH) show a steady increase in happiness levels after 1990. As a result, in the 2010s is ranking 50th among the 160 countries included, and 25th in Europe. Inequality of happiness is very high in Romania (ranking 125th) and stays relatively stable in the last 20 years. Structure of happiness, with an average level of contentment and comparative higher levels of affect, is typical for Eastern Europe, as is the situation with some of its correlates: happiness is steadily decreasing with age, men are slightly happier than women and membership in voluntary organisations makes no difference in happiness. Correlations of happiness with education, income and self-rated social rank grew stronger in the last 30 years, suggesting a trend towards convergence with Western European societies.
  Keywords: eastern-European countries; post-communist transition; life-satisfaction; world ranking; trend; correlations.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJHD.2023.10061341
   
  
• Happiness in Turkey  
  by Melodi Buket Kanlıoğlu 
  Abstract: Happiness can be defined as the overall appreciation of ones life as a whole average happiness in Turkey was 6.0 on scale 010 over the years 20102019. As such Turkey ranked 94 out of 164 countries. With an average Happy Life Years of 44.4, Turkey ranked 88th in the world. When considering inequality in happiness, that is how citizens differ in enjoyment of their life-asa-whole, Turkey was ranked 63rd out of 164 countries between 20102019. Although Turkey has grown economically over the past 20 years, average happiness has not increased in Turkey as much as it has in developed countries. Average happiness decreased in crises years in Turkey. Inequality of happiness is relatively high in Turkey, but has decline slightly since 1990. Turkish people gained 7.1 Happy Life Years since 1990.Considering the correlates happiness, it has been observed that gender, marital status, educational status, income, self-rated social status and memberships are all positively correlated with happiness among Turkish citizens.
  Keywords: life-satisfaction; world ranking; trend; cross-national; Turkey; happiness; inequality; contentment; well-being; correlates of happiness.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJHD.2024.10062249
   
  
• Income and happiness: a study of a panel of US residents  
  by Ling Zhang, Sajal Lahiri 
  Abstract: Can money buy happiness? Does the marginal effect of income on happiness of an average change over time? Does the change in income of an average individual increase their happiness over time? These are the main research questions that this paper attempts to answer using a longitudinal dataset for US residents, viz., panel study of income dynamic (PSID), for the years 2019, 2011, 2013, 2015 and 2017. The main methodology we use is Ordered-Logit regressions. We find reasonably strong evidence of an yes answer to all three questions. Our results pass a number of robustness checks.
  Keywords: Easterlin Paradox; happiness; income; ordered-logit regression; PSID data; longitudinal study.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJHD.2024.10062250
   
  
• Impact of income on life satisfaction in India: a generalised ordered probit model approach  
  by Neeraj Kumar, P. Mahendra Varman 
  Abstract: The present study examines the impact of Net state domestic product (NSDP), absolute income, relative income, and income inequality on the life satisfaction of the people in India. The current study identified that an asymmetric income effect in the Indian context, i.e., an increase in income has a positive impact on those who currently reported lower levels of satisfaction. However, the relationship between an increase in income and life satisfaction is weak for those who currently reported higher levels of satisfaction. The results of the study support the existence of the Easterlin paradox in the context of India. Furthermore, the results emphasise the relative importance of absolute income compared to relative income. Although both factors hold significance, their combined impact on life satisfaction is not markedly stronger. The relationship between life satisfaction and income inequality is not identical as we move from a lower level to a higher level of life satisfaction.
  Keywords: subjective well-being; life satisfaction; net state domestic product per capita; relative income; income inequality; generalised ordered probit.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJHD.2024.10062842
   
  
• Happiness in India  
  by Mahmudul Hasan Laskar 
  Abstract: The aim of this paper is to present basic facts on happiness in India and to provide a format for periodical reports on happiness in the nation. Happiness defined as the subjective satisfaction with ones life as a whole. In this descriptive paper I present the available research findings on India with respect to: 1) average happiness; 2) inequality of happiness; and 3) happy lifeyears. I consider a) the current level of the aspect of happiness in India as well as b) their development over time. Next to the absolute level of happiness in India, I consider the difference relative to other countries. Data are taken from the World Database of Happiness. Links to these online findings archive provide detail about sampling and measurement. Average happiness in India appears to be mediocre and has declined recently. Inequality of happiness is relatively high in India and has increased recently. Still, Indians came to live longer and happier and gained 27 more happy life years since 1962. With the present number of 41.7 happy life years India still lags behind developed nations where that number is around 60.
  Keywords: happiness; quality of life; livability; cross national; trend over time; societal development.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJHD.2024.10063728
   
  
• Happy-NE-R leadership for companies in emerging economies  
  by Raquel Ruiz-Rodríguez, Marta Ortiz-de-Urbina-Criado, Rafael Ravina-Ripoll 
  Abstract: Business leaders in emerging economies want to create better workplaces. The first objective is to present a literature review on leadership in emerging economies. The second objective is to reflect on the most appropriate leadership styles for todays firms in emerging economies. A bibliometric analysis of the literature up to 2023 is developed. The results show that firms in emerging economies tend to consider the transformational leadership. And the main emerging themes are the perspective of corporate governance and effects such as innovation and sustainability. This paper is the first to propose a leadership style that combines three of the most current leadership styles, Happy, NEuro and Responsible leadership, called Happy-NE-R leadership. This new style can help leaders in emerging economies to manage their companies responsibly and improve the well-being of their people. Then, emerging economies can have better places to work and a happier and more satisfied workforce.
  Keywords: leadership; emerging economies; BRICS; Brazil; Russia; India; China and South Africa; E7 group; happy leadership; neuroleadership; HappyNE-R leadership.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJHD.2024.10064437
   
  
• Happiness in Uzbekistan  
  by Shoirakhon Nurdinova 
  Abstract: The average happiness in Uzbekistan is 7.7 on a scale of 010, which implies a rank of 14 among the 160 contemporary nations. Average happiness has increased in Uzbekistan over the years, and the Uzbeks are the happiest among Central Asians and post-Soviet Union countries. The inequality of happiness in Uzbekistan, measured using the standard deviation, is 2.07, which implies place 33 on the international equality ranking. The correlates of happiness are similar to other nations, such as a positive correlation of happiness with marriage and income. Unlike most countries, being male is negatively correlated with happiness in Uzbekistan, and so is social status.
  Keywords: happiness; life satisfaction; correlations; world database of happiness; Uzbekistan.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJHD.2024.10064672
   
  
• Psychometric assessment of the Persian version of the future time perspective questionnaire in college students  
  by Forough Jafari, Seyedehdorsa Siadati, Fatemeh Bahrami 
  Abstract: This study aimed to validate the Persian version of the future time perspective (FTP) Questionnaire, a factor impacting psychological well-being, for use in Iranian society. 367 randomly selected students (2030 years old) from Tehran universities participated. The questionnaire by Brothers, Chiu, and Diehl (2014), with 12 questions and three subscales, was employed alongside the Hope scale by Snyder et al. (1991). Exploratory factor analysis revealed three subscales: opportunities, limitations, and ambiguities, explaining 61.18% of the variance. Cronbachs alpha for the components was 0.80, 0.77, and 0.82, indicating internal consistency. Confirmatory factor analysis affirmed model fit. Convergent validity displayed a significant correlation between FTP and the Hope scale. Results suggest the Persian FTP questionnaires validity and reliability for psychological interventions and studies among Iranian college students.
  Keywords: FTP; future time perspective; opportunities; limitations; ambiguities; psychometrics.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJHD.2024.10065308
   
  
• Exploring the emotional terrain: a comprehensive systematic literature review of the effects of emotional intelligence on stress and performance  
  by Swetha Suram, Vani Gayathri Rudra, Ramesh Kumar Miryala 
  Abstract: Emotional intelligence (EI) refers to an individuals ability in identifying, comprehending, and regulating their own emotions, beside their capability to perceive and manage the emotions of others. Stress, a prevalent feature of modern living has significant ramification for ones overall well-being. Understanding the EI role in stress management is crucial to promote psychological resilience and well-being. The focus of the study is to review the literature on the relation between EI and stress. This paper presents a structural overview of 98 papers published in Scopus indexed journals. The existing literature in the field is presented in four focus areas: the impact of gender on EI, EI and stress on performance, the relationship between EI and work-life balance (WLB), EI and stress. The findings indicate that gender differences exist in EI and stress levels, positive correlation between EI and performance, and contribution of EI to WLB.
  Keywords: emotional intelligence; stress; systematic review; stress management; resilience; well-being.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJHD.2024.10065435
   
  
• Happiness in Croatia  
  by Maja Tadić Vujčić 
  Abstract: This paper represents a report on the main findings on happiness in Croatia in the period 20102019, based on the World database of Happiness (WDH). In this period, the trend in average happiness reports in Croatia stayed relatively stable, in the middle of the WDH ranking of happiness in nations, with an average report of 6.5 on scale from 0 to 10. Inequality of happiness, as measured with the standard deviation of happiness reports is relatively high in Croatia, positioning Croatia 104th in the inequality of happiness ranking scale. However, more recent data (from 2018 onwards) seem to suggest that there might be a trend of relative reducing of happiness reports inequality. Finally, the paper also presents findings on some of the correlates of happiness in Croatia, which are consistent with the existing literature in other parts of the world.
  Keywords: cross-national; Croatia; affect; life-satisfaction; happiness inequality; world ranking; trend; 2010–2019.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJHD.2024.10065496
   
  
• Indexing financial empowerment for women in India  
  by Mamta Aggarwal, Priya Gupta 
  Abstract: This study attempts to present a comprehensive state and regional analysis of womens financial empowerment by constructing a financial empowerment index based on secondary data from the NFHS-5 (National Family Health Survey) dataset. To illustrate interstates and regional disparities, the financial empowerment index has been constructed based on five dimensions such as engagement in employment, access to financial institutions, ownership of assets, access to mobile phones, and their involvement in decision-making, revealing a moderate level of financial empowerment among women in India, with notable variation in the status of financial empowerment across different states and regions. Southern region exhibits outstanding performance, with states and UTs such as Pondicherry, Tamil Nadu and Telangana leading the charge to drive the region towards prosperity, while others lag within the criteria. The study recommends strengthening the existing program and introducing new measures for improving financial empowerment in women across all the states and regions.
  Keywords: financial empowerment; index; gender disparity; national family health survey; women; employment; access to financial services; assets ownership; access to mobile; involvement in decision-making.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJHD.2024.10065874
   
  
• Antecedents of mental health of students during COVID-19  
  by Richa Banerjee 
  Abstract: The widespread Coronavirus has affected every human being on this earth. COVID has affected people not only physically but mentally also. The present study aims to assess the impact of social support, psychological Resilience and Mental Health of graduate and postgraduate students. A cross-sectional survey was conducted during June 2021. The relationship among the variables was examined using PLS-SEM. The results of the study give explicit support to a significant relationship and impact of Resilience on Mental Health, the other relationship was checked between social support and the third association was between Mental Health and Social support and Resilience. The link exists between perceived social support (PSS) and MH (MH), it is recommended that students always receive more social support, particularly during the problematic COVID-19 epidemic, to enhance their MH and Resilience.
  Keywords: MH; social support; resilience; COVID-19; student.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJHD.2024.10066098
   
  
• A study on university students conflict resolution styles and happiness: the effect of psychological capital (a study in Iran)  
  by Mahtab Pouratashi, Asghar Zamani 
  Abstract: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of students psychological capital on conflict resolution style and marital happiness. A survey was conducted among married students at Universities in Tehran, Iran. Data gathered by use of a questionnaire including scales of marital happiness (Azrin et al., 1973), conflict resolution styles (Kurdek, 1994), and psychological capital (Luthans et al., 2007). The reliability of the questionnaire was determined through viewpoints of some professors and experts in the field and validity of the questionnaire was confirmed by Cronbachs alpha coefficient (=0.86 to 0.92). After data collection, descriptive and inferential statistics were conducted by SPSS software/23. The results showed that among psychological capital, self-efficacy had the most effects on positive problem solving. Resilience had the most effects on conflict engagement and compliance. Optimism had the most effects on withdrawal. Also, self-efficacy had the most effects on marital happiness. Among conflict resolution style, positive problem solving had the most effects on marital happiness. According to the findings, it is recommended that universities improve formal and hidden curriculum to develop students psychological capital.
  Keywords: psychological capital; conflict resolution style; marital happiness; student; self-efficacy; higher education; Iran.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJHD.2024.10066707
   
  
• Status effect or tunnel effect? Unravelling the dual role of relative income on subjective well-being among the Chinese population  
  by Hania Fei Wu 
  Abstract: This paper examines subjective well-being in China, with a particular focus on the role of social comparison. Specifically, it examines the impact of relative income on the subjective well-being among the Chinese population from 2005 to 2018, a period characterised by rapid economic growth. By matching data from 10 rounds of the Chinese General Social Survey (CGSS) with the contextual income data from statistical yearbooks, we test the status effect and tunnel effect hypotheses. The analysis confirms the tunnel effect hypothesis: after controlling for individual income, the average income of the reference group has a positive effect on an individuals happiness; in addition, this positive effect substantially decreases and becomes insignificant after incorporating the objective measure of future income expectations. Our analysis provides empirical evidence for the tunnel effect and confirms that economic development can mitigate the negative effects of current inequality by raising peoples hopes for future income growth.
  Keywords: relative income status; social comparison; tunnel effect; expected future income; subjective well-being.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJHD.2024.10066708
   
  
• The impact of financial well-being on subjective happiness, innovativeness, and personal growth  
  by Petek Tosun, Mesut Dogan, A.Secuk Koyluoglu 
  Abstract: This study examines the impact of the perceived personal financial condition (financial well-being, economic hardship, income change, and financial threat) on subjective happiness and depression and the influence of subjective happiness and depression on personal growth initiative and consumer innovativeness. The theoretical model that depended on the broadenand build theory of positive emotions was tested on a consumer sample (n = 755) using hierarchical regression analyses. The findings supported the hypotheses and showed the significant impact of personal financial condition on happiness and depression. Financial well-being positively influences subjective happiness and reduces depression. Subjective happiness and depression lead to increased levels of consumer innovativeness and personal growth initiative. This study contributes to the literature by suggesting and empirically testing a comprehensive theoretical model that demonstrates the significant impact of personal financial condition on happiness and depression and, consequently, consumer innovativeness and personal growth initiative.
  Keywords: financial well-being; financial threat; subjective happiness; depression; personal growth; consumer innovativeness.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJHD.2024.10067613
   
  
• Happiness in Indonesia  
  by Yufi Adriani 
  Abstract: Happiness is defined as the subjective enjoyment of ones own life as a whole and is also referred to as life-satisfaction. Happiness in this sense can be measured using self-reports; a common survey question is: Taking all together, how satisfied or dissatisfied are you with your life- as-a-whole these days? Several such questions have been used in survey studies in Indonesia. Average Happiness in Indonesia was 7.3 on scale 010 in the 2010s, which is moderately high in the ranking of happiness in nations. Average happiness has tended to be stable over the time in Indonesia, since the first measurement in 2001. Inequality of happiness, as measured using the standard deviation, is high in Indonesia and has increased since 2001. Correlates of happiness in Indonesia do not differ much from correlates observed in more developed nations.
  Keywords: cross-national; happiness; world ranking; trend; Indonesia.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJHD.2024.10067805
   
  
• Impact of work-life balance on employees well-being in selected manufacturing sectors in Kerala  
  by Jyoti Kamboj, Eronimus A, Sreedha K. Nambiar 
  Abstract: In Keralas manufacturing sector, employees often experience increased stress levels, diminished job satisfaction, and a decline in overall well-being due to the imbalance between work and personal lives. The demanding nature of their work and long hours often interfere with family time and personal pursuits, leading to strained relationships and health issues. This study utilises the JD-R Model to explore how WLB affects employees well-being. The study collected data from 203 employees in selected manufacturing industries in Kerala and is analysed through SEM-AMOS. The results found strong positive relationships between WLB and each dimension of well-being. Specifically, employees with better WLB experience improved physical health, psychological well-being, stronger social relationships, and financial stability. The findings underscore the importance of WLB in enhancing employee welfare and organisational effectiveness in manufacturing industries. We provide valuable insights for organisations, employees, policymakers, and government to foster a healthier and more productive workforce.
  Keywords: WLB; work-life balance; physical well-being; psychological wellbeing; social well-being; financial well-being.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJHD.2024.10068066
   
  
• Financial inclusion and financial well-being among youth: a systematic scoping review  
  by Avnner Chardles Wellfren, Roslaini Abdul Jalil, Nelson Lajuni, Izaan Azyan Abdul Jamil 
  Abstract: This research aimed to comprehensively explore the relationship between financial inclusion and financial well-being among youth, focusing on financial inclusion. Employing a systematic scoping review methodology, this study examined a broad spectrum of scholarly works to identify existing knowledge gaps and provide insightful recommendations for future research. The research findings suggested that financial inclusion exhibited an inconsistent direct effect on financial well-being; however, it played a notable role as a supplementary factor. It is imperative to acknowledge that the effective utilisation of financial inclusion necessitated the cultivation of appropriate skills, attitudes, and behaviours to fully harness its potential advantages in enhancing financial well-being. These results serve as a foundational reference for future research, offering insights into the current state of the topic. Lastly, the study aimed to raise awareness within communities and government agencies about the importance of enhancing the social well-being and happiness of young people.
  Keywords: financial inclusion; financial well-being; financial wellness; happiness; young people; review; systematic scoping review.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJHD.2024.10068067