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Happiness Perceptions—A Comparison 1938 and 2014

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Abstract

This chapter outlines the findings from the Worktown (1938) and Bolton (2014) Happiness data. The frequency of happiness and the role of luck were similar. There were differences between the two databases in the time of the week and the place that residents were happiest. The ranking of the 10 Aspects of Happiness changed with Good Humour and Leisure moving into the top 3, whilst Knowledge and Religion went to lower positions in 2014. Qualitative analysis of happiness letters and comments revealed different categorical frequencies, with contentment and peace of mind being the highest in Worktown and free time activities in 2014 Bolton. The aspects of change and continuity in the perceptions of happiness are explored and possible explanations are discussed.

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Correspondence to Sandie McHugh .

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McHugh, S., Carson, J. (2017). Happiness Perceptions—A Comparison 1938 and 2014. In: McHugh, S. (eds) The Changing Nature of Happiness. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-65651-9_5

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