A Snapshot of Happiness and Leisure Across Countries: Evidence from International Survey Data

Abstract

We study the relationship between leisure and happiness, controlling both for individual and national variables. Using international survey data from 33 countries in 2007, our results show that certain leisure activities, satisfaction from leisure, and meaning of leisure to individuals all influence individual level of happiness. In contrast, the quantity of leisure is not so important compared to the effect of other aspects of leisure. In addition, family income and other individual demographic variable such as age and health condition also are significantly associated with happiness. National unemployment and political stability have robustly significant impact on happiness as well.

Keywords: Happiness, Life Satisfaction, Leisure, Multilevel Model

JEL Classification: J1, J3