University of Twente Student Theses
Exploring Happiness Trajectories in the Dutch Population : Latent Class Analysis and the Impact of Demographic Factors
Huang, Lu (2023) Exploring Happiness Trajectories in the Dutch Population : Latent Class Analysis and the Impact of Demographic Factors.
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| Abstract: | Background: Researchers have long been interested in the topic of happiness, yet there is a research gap in understanding long-term happiness changes and trends among the Dutch population. Given the focus on quality of life and mental health in the Netherlands, understanding longitudinal happiness changes and their influencing factors is crucial. Objective: This paper examines 14-year happiness trends within the Dutch population, identifies latent classes, and investigates the influence of age, income, gender, and education on these classes at a subgroup level. Method: Using LISS panel happiness survey data from 2008 to 2022, repeated ANOVA tests were conducted to analyze happiness change trends. Latent Growth Modeling was employed to explore class trajectories, and a two-step Multinomial Regression Analysis assessed the influence of age, gender, income, and education on class membership. Results: The findings indicate a slight decline in happiness over time, year accounting for 0.4% of the observed variance. Four distinct classes emerged: Stable High, U-shaped, Stable Medium, and Inverted U-shaped. Age, gender, income, and education each played a role in determining class categorization. Discussion: This study provides insights into happiness changes over time, and the influence of age, income, gender, and education on happiness classifications. Understanding these classes informs targeted policies and programs to reduce happiness disparities among different groups. These findings contribute to existing happiness literature and support evidence-based strategies for improving the happiness of these subgroups and the overall population's happiness. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Master) |
| Faculty: | BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences |
| Subject: | 77 psychology |
| Programme: | Psychology MSc (66604) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/97234 |
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