Poll: “Money and Happiness Really May Not Be Tied Together”
May 18th, 2009 • Posted in: Research Report“Like last year, just over one-third of Americans are very happy,” Harris finds
From Harris:
“In these days with worries over economic issues and job stability, one would expect Americans to be a lot less happy than they were last year at this time. As they say, money can’t buy happiness and maybe worries over money can’t change happiness. This year, once again, 35% of Americans are very happy according to The Harris Poll Happiness Index….
“The more education one has the happier one is as 33% of those who have a high school or less education are happy, 36% of both those with some college and college graduates are happy and 39% of those with a post graduate education are happy. Income, however, is not the same, as the happiest income group is the group making between $50,000 and $74,999 (39%) followed by those with incomes of $75,000 and up (36%)….
“One of the only real changes in happiness from last year is among African Americans and Hispanics. Last year, 35% of African Americans were happy as were 32% of Hispanics. This year, those numbers go up to 41% and 36% respectively. Whites, however, are unchanged at 35% for both last year and this year….
“The Happiness Index is comprised of nine statements and, depending on whether people agree or disagree with them, those responses are averaged together to create the index number. Some of the index statements are almost unchanged from last year….
“There are two statements that have shown some changes — for the positive. Last year, almost three-quarters of Americans (73%) said they felt their voice is not heard in national decisions that affect them. This year that number drops to 67%. Just under half of Americans (49%) last year said they rarely worried about their health while this year over half (54%) now agree with that statement.
“So What?
“What makes people happy? It seems it isn’t just money or jobs or even economic stability. But rather it is having a close network of friends and positive relationships with family members. It is also having spiritual beliefs that are important to people. When all of these are examined in total, it is clear that Americans are not unhappy. They may be frustrated with certain aspects of their lives. They may watch the economic news and wish their 401(k)s or stock portfolios were doing better. They may worry that they or a loved one will lose their job, but the important parts that make up the rest of their lives seem to be going well and that most importantly, makes Americans happy.”
For the full release from Harris, May 15, click here
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