Open AccessLongitudinal Evidence for a Midlife Nadir in Human Well‐being: Results from Four Data Sets
Author(s) -
Cheng Terence C.,
Powdthavee Nattavudh,
Oswald Andrew J.
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
the economic journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 4.683
H-Index - 160
eISSN - 1468-0297
pISSN - 0013-0133
DOI - 10.1111/ecoj.12256
Subject(s) - nadir , longitudinal data , library science , sociology , media studies , history , classics , demography , computer science , engineering , satellite , aerospace engineering
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.