Ruut Veenhoven
published in Italian in: G. DeGirolamo et al (eds), 'Salute e
qualità dell vida', Centro Scientifico Editore, 2001, Torino, Italia, pp 67-95
Full text also available in English
ABSTRACT
Quality-of-life is conceived as a broad concept that covers three meanings: 1) quality of
the living environment, 2) quality of performance and 3) subjective enjoyment of life.
'Happiness' is understood as part of the latter meaning. It is defined as the overall
appreciation of one's life-as-a-whole. This chapter explores the relation of happiness
with the first two quality-of-life variants.
A review of empirical happiness-research shows that happiness concurs
with several qualities of the living environment, especially with economic affluence,
freedom and intimate ties. Yet not all living-conditions deemed beneficial appear to be
linked with happiness, for instance not income-equality or full-employment. Empirical
research shows also relations between happiness and performance, especially with physical
and mental health. Again there are noteworthy exceptions, for instance happiness appears
unrelated to intelligence.
The analysis illustrates that quality-of-life is not one encompassing
syndrome. Rather than one quality the term denotes in fact combinations of qualities.
Hence the term should be used as a token only. Reasoning, measurement and decision-making
requires on more discrete concepts.