Ruut Veenhoven
Published in Dutch in: Sociologische Gids, 1970, vol. 17, pp 115-122
Happiness is defined as a more or less enduring satisfaction with life-as-a-whole. The paper takes stock of empirical studies on this subject. Only a few studies are found.The results show links with personal characteristic as well as with environmental conditions. Some of the personal characteristics that are associated with happiness are sociability and self-esteem. Intelligence appears to be unrelated to happiness. Some environmental conditions are in the residential area, work conditions and family situation.
It is argued that results of empirical research on happiness should be used in evaluations of social policy.