The U-Shaped Curve of Happiness

Gender

David Blanchflower discusses how happiness trends differ between men and women. He notes that while both genders experience a U-shaped happiness curve, women generally report higher levels of stress, depression, and anxiety compared to men 1. The pandemic has exacerbated these differences, with women being particularly affected by lockdowns and financial worries.

Women are less happy than men on almost every measure, especially with the pressures from lockdown and remote working.

--- David Blanchflower

Interestingly, while women are less happy overall, the age at which happiness hits its lowest point is similar for both genders 2.

   

Marital

Marital status significantly impacts the happiness curve, especially in the United States. David Blanchflower explains that while both married and unmarried individuals experience a midlife crisis, married people tend to be happier overall 3. This trend is particularly evident in older age, where married individuals report higher happiness levels compared to their single counterparts.

Married people tend to be happier than unmarried people, especially in later life.

--- David Blanchflower

However, the death of a spouse in later life can significantly impact one's happiness, highlighting the complex relationship between marital status and well-being 3.

   

Education

Education plays a crucial role in shaping happiness trends, particularly concerning employment opportunities and life satisfaction. David Blanchflower points out that less educated individuals in America are particularly unhappy, often due to poor job prospects and higher rates of morbidity and mortality 1. This demographic has seen a significant rise in deaths from drug overdoses, suicide, and liver disease.

Less educated, prime age individuals in America have been impacted by poor job prospects and higher morbidity and mortality rates.

--- David Blanchflower

These trends are consistent across various measures of unhappiness, making it clear that education significantly influences overall well-being 1.

   

Children

Having children impacts happiness at different stages of parenthood. David Blanchflower explains that young children generally make parents happier, while older children can be a source of stress due to their financial costs 4. However, once these costs are accounted for, children of all ages contribute positively to happiness.

Young kids make you happy, but older kids can be expensive and stressful.

--- David Blanchflower

This nuanced view helps explain why parents continue to have more children despite the challenges 4.