The Objective Benefits of Subjective Well-Being

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to survey the “hard” evidence on the effects of subjective well-being. In doing so, we complement the evidence on the determinants of well-being by showing that human well-being also affects outcomes of interest such as health, income, and social behavior. Generally, we observe a dynamic relationship between happiness and other important aspects of our lives, with influence running in both directions. We also discuss the moderating, mediating, and evolutionary dynamics of human well-being.

Keywords: happiness, subjective well-being, health, income, behavior