Multiple Discrepancies Theory (MDT)

  • Alex C. Michalos
Chapter
Part of the Social Indicators Research Series book series (SINS, volume 19)

Abstract

A fairly thorough account of multiple discrepancies theory (MDT) is presented, with a review of its historical antecedents and an examination of its strength in accounting for the happiness (H) and satisfaction (S) of nearly 700 university undergraduates. Basically, MDT asserts that H and S are functions of perceived gaps between what one has and wants, relevant others have, the best one has had in the past, expected to have 3 years ago, expects to have after 5 years, deserves and needs. MDT explained 49% of the variance in H, 53% in global S and 50% or more in 7 out of 12 domain S scores. The domains studied were health, finances, family, job friendships, housing, area, recreation, religion, self-esteem, transportation and education.

Keywords

Social Support Social Comparison Relative Deprivation Discrepancy Variable Financial Security 
These keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.
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© Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht 2003

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  • Alex C. Michalos

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