Fernandez & Kulik (1981): study US 1973

Publication

Author(s):

Fernandez, R.M.; Kulik, J.C.

Title:

A Multilevel Model of Life Satisfaction: Effects of Individual Characteristics and Neighborhood Composition.

Source:

American Sociological Review, 1981, Vol. 46, 840 - 850

Investigation

Public

18+ aged, general public, USA, 1973-1974

Sample

Respondents

N = 5916

Non Response

?

Assessment

Interview: face-to-face

Happiness Measure(s) and Distributional Findings

Full text:

Self report on single question:

'How satisfied would you say you are with your life as a whole ....?'
4  completely satisfied
3  very satisfied
2  moderately satisfied
1  slightly satisfied
0  not satisfied at all

Classification:

O-SLW-u-sq-v-5-c

Author's label:

Life-satisfaction

Remarks:

Range 0-4: M = 2.8  SD = .89  Transformed to range 0-10: Ms' = 7.1
When disattenuated for day to day noise (unreliability): M = 2.8, SD = 0.84

Error estimates:

Reliability: Retest reliablity over 8 month: r =+.43 This retest-coefficient is used for computing 'disattenuated' correlations (estimates of the true correlation if inaccuracy in report of happiness did not depress observed correlation) Validity: External congruent validity apparent in high multiple correlation with set of following variables: 1) satisfaction with: housing, neighborhood, finance, work and marriage 2) Bradburn's Affect Balance Scale (AFF 2.3) 3) direct question on happiness (HAP 1.1) R =.54

Observed distribution

Summary Statistics

On original range 0 - 4 On range 0-10

Mean:

2.80 7.10

SD:

0.89 -

Correlational Findings

Author's label Subject Description Finding Family size Number of persons in household Male sex Sex: male (vs female) White race Ethnic status in the USA Married status Married (vs never married) Health status Global health self-rating Education Level of school-education Divorced/separated Never married (vs divorced) Age Current age (in years) Family income Household income Relative age Social homogeneity in vicinity
Age distribution in vicinity
Relative age Relative income Relative to income in neighborhood
Social homogeneity in vicinity Inequality ratio Social homogeneity in vicinity
Inequality of incomes in vicinity Racial composition of neighbourhood Social homogeneity in vicinity
Ethnic diversity in vicinity Cost of living in neighborhood Costs of living in vicinity Urban living Community size Joint effects Summed socio-demographic + environmental factors