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Well-being across America

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Oswald, Andrew J. and Wu, Stephen. (2011) Well-being across America. Review of Economics and Statistics, Vol.93 (No.4). pp. 1118-1134. ISSN 0034-6535

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Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1162/REST_a_00133

Abstract

This paper uses Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data to study life satisfaction and mental health across the geography of the United States. The analysis draws on a sample of 1.3 million citizens. Initially we control for people's personal characteristics (though not income). There is no correlation between states' regression-adjusted well-being and their GDP per capita. States like Louisiana, plus Washington, D.C., have high psychological well-being levels; California and West Virginia have low well-being. When we control for incomes, satisfaction with life is lower in richer states, just as compensating-differentials theory would predict. Nevertheless, some puzzles remain.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HN Social history and conditions. Social problems. Social reform
Divisions:	Faculty of Social Sciences > Economics
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	Well-being -- United States, Mental health -- United States
Journal or Publication Title:	Review of Economics and Statistics
Publisher:	M I T Press
ISSN:	0034-6535
Date:	2011
Volume:	Vol.93
Number:	No.4
Page Range:	pp. 1118-1134
Identification Number:	10.1162/REST_a_00133
Status:	Peer Reviewed
Publication Status:	Published
Access rights to Published version:	Restricted or Subscription Access
Funder:	Economic and Social Research Council (Great Britain) (ESRC)
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URI:	http://wrap.warwick.ac.uk/id/eprint/39792