Cheng, T. C., Powdthavee, Nick and Oswald, Andrew J. (2017) Longitudinal evidence for a midlife nadir in human well-being : results from four data sets. The Economic Journal, 127 (599). pp. 126-142. doi:10.1111/ecoj.12256 ISSN 0013-0133.

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Abstract

There is a large amount of cross-sectional evidence for a midlife low in the life cycle of human happiness and well-being (a ‘U shape’). Yet no genuinely longitudinal inquiry has uncovered evidence for a U-shaped pattern. Thus, some researchers believe the U is a statistical artefact. We re-examine this fundamental cross-disciplinary question. We suggest a new test. Drawing on four data sets, and only within-person changes in well-being, we document powerful support for a U shape in longitudinal data (without the need for formal regression equations). The article's methodological contribution is to use the first-derivative properties of a well-being equation.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology H Social Sciences > HA Statistics
Divisions:	Faculty of Social Sciences > Economics Faculty of Social Sciences > Warwick Business School
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	Midlife crisis -- Statistics, Aging -- Social aspects , Well-being, Happiness
Journal or Publication Title:	The Economic Journal
Publisher:	Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
ISSN:	0013-0133
Official Date:	February 2017
Dates:	Date Event February 2017 Published 15 October 2015 Available 12 July 2014 Accepted 2016 Submitted
Volume:	127
Number:	599
Page Range:	pp. 126-142
DOI:	10.1111/ecoj.12256
Status:	Peer Reviewed
Publication Status:	Published
Access rights to Published version:	Restricted or Subscription Access
Date of first compliant deposit:	8 September 2016
Date of first compliant Open Access:	8 September 2016
Funder:	Economic and Social Research Council (Great Britain) (ESRC), Great Britain. Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), National Institute on Aging (NIA), Australia. Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, National Health and Medical Research Council (Australia) (NHMRC) , Australia. Department of Health and Ageing
Grant number:	Grant No R01AG04064 (NIA)
RIOXX Funder/Project Grant:	Project/Grant ID RIOXX Funder Name Funder ID UNSPECIFIED [ESRC] Economic and Social Research Council http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100000269 UNSPECIFIED Great Britain. Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) UNSPECIFIED R01AG04064 National Institute on Aging [NIA] http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/100000049 UNSPECIFIED National Health and Medical Research Council http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100000925 UNSPECIFIED Australia. Department of Health and Ageing UNSPECIFIED

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