The biometric antecedents to happiness

Abstract

It has been suggested that biological markers are associated with human happiness. We contribute to the empirical literature by examining the independent association between various aspects of biometric wellbeing measured in childhood and happiness in adulthood. Using Young Finns Study data (n = 1905) and nationally representative linked data we examine whether eight biomarkers measured in childhood (1980) are associated with happiness in adulthood (2001). Using linked data we account for a very rich set of confounders including age, sex, body size, family background, nutritional intake, physical activity, income, education and labour market experiences. We find that there is a negative relationship between triglycerides and subjective well-being but it is both gender- and age-specific and the relationship does not prevail using the later measurements (1983/1986) on triglycerides. In summary, we conclude that none of the eight biomarkers measured in childhood predict happiness robustly in adulthood.

Influence of teaching activities, environmental conditions and class schedules on teacher stress measured with a smartwatch: a pilot study

“…Few studies consider the correlation between pulse and wellbeing/stress. Böckerman, Bryson, Viinikainen, Hakulinen, Hintsanen, Pehkonen et al (2017) found a positive correlation between pulse in childhood and happiness in adulthood in a longitudinal study. In the study of 216 middle-aged men and women, found that greater happiness, assessed through repeated of the working day, was associated with a lower HR rate among men, but not among women (Steptoe & Wardle, 2005).…”

Subjective Health and Happiness in the United States: Gender Differences in the Effects of Socioeconomic Status Indicators

“…High levels of subjective health and happiness reflect high levels of productivity at all levels, from individuals to the society 3,5,6 . Healthy and happy individuals are more productive and better contribute to the economic progress and prosperity of the country.…”

“…Happy people are better able to combat disease and hence tend to live longer 7 . Happiness boosts the immune system 8 and increases resilience in the face of adverse economic and social conditions in daily life 3,6 . Happier societies also have a lower rate of unnecessary visits to the doctors and hospitals, thereby reducing healthcare burden and costs 9 .…”