Title: Socio-demographic and behavioural differences and associations with happiness for those who are in good and poor health

Authors: Gavin Breslin; Alan M. Nevill; Paul Donnelly; Marie H. Murphy

Addresses: Sport and Exercise Sciences Research Institute, University of Ulster, Newtownabbey Co Antrim BT37 0QB, Northern Ireland ' School of Sport, Performing Arts and Leisure, University of Wolverhampton, Walsall Campus, Gorway Road, Walsall, WS1 3BD, UK ' Sport Northern Ireland, House of Sport, 2a Upper Malone Road, Belfast BT9 5LA, UK ' Sport and Exercise Sciences Research Institute, University of Ulster, Newtownabbey Co Antrim BT37 0QB, Northern Ireland

Abstract: This study sought to investigate the associations between self-reported perceived health, socio-demographic variables and lifestyle behaviours as predictors of happiness. 4,663 adults completed the survey. Socio demographic information, age, social class, marital status, as well as lifestyle behaviours, smoking, meeting the 150 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity each day, eating five portions of fruit and vegetables a day and having access to a car were all significantly associated with happiness. For healthy individuals these factors, with the exception of having access to a car, were shown to be significant predictors of happiness. While for those in poor health, the same factors with the exception of social class and eating five portions of fruit and vegetables a day predicted happiness.

Keywords: well-being; happiness; mental health; lifestyle behaviour; exercise; physical activity; good health; poor health; perceived health; socio-demographics; age; social class; marital status; smoking; car access.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHD.2013.055641

International Journal of Happiness and Development, 2013 Vol.1 No.2, pp.142 - 154

Received: 13 Sep 2012
Accepted: 14 Feb 2013

Published online: 19 Jul 2014 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article