Factors Shaping Well-being in Italy, Greece, and Portugal (PDF)

Seminar paper from the year 2019 in the subject Sociology - Economy and Industry, grade: 1,3, University of Amsterdam (Amsterdam Institute for Social Science Research (AISSR)), language: English, abstract: This research project aims to explore the factors that contribute to the relatively low level of happiness in Italy, Greece, and Portugal, despite their high health status. By adopting a holistic and systemic approach, the study investigates nine different dimensions of well-being based on the Gross National Happiness (GNH) framework. The research utilizes simple and multiple linear regression analysis to assess the independent impact of various determinants on happiness. The variables considered include life expectancy, employment rate, educational attainment, income, good governance, feeling safe, cultural participation, leisure activities, and environmental factors. The data for the study is obtained from the World Happiness Report (WHR), Gallup World Poll, OECD databases, and other relevant sources. The findings demonstrate that while health and employment rate significantly influence happiness, other factors such as good governance, community vitality, and environmental quality also play significant roles. The results of this research have implications for informing public policies and identifying areas where interventions can enhance individual well-being.