The importance of sampling frequency for estimates of well-being dynamics

Author

Stephen James HOSKINS, Singapore Management UniversityFollow
David W. JOHNSTON
Johannes S. KUNZ
Michael A. SHIELDS
Kevin E. STAUB

Publication Type

Journal Article

Version

publishedVersion

Publication Date

9-2024

Abstract

Using a high-frequency panel survey, we examine the sensitivity of estimated self-reported well-being (SWB) dynamics to using monthly, quarterly, and yearly data. This is an important issue if SWB is to be used to evaluate policy. Results from autoregressive models that account for individual-level heterogeneity indicate that the estimated persistence using yearly data is near zero. However, estimated persistence from monthly and quarterly data is substantial. We estimate that persistence to shocks typically lasts around six months and has a net present value of 75–80 per cent of the contemporaneous effect. Estimates are similar for different domains of SWB.

Keywords

Adaptation, Dynamic panel data, Happiness, Life satisfaction, Panel autoregression, Persistence, Well-being, Singapore

Discipline

Asian Studies | Behavioral Economics | Gerontology | Health Economics

Publication

Economics Letters

Volume

242

First Page

1

Last Page

4

ISSN

0165-1765

Identifier

10.1016/j.econlet.2024.111880

Publisher

Elsevier

Citation

HOSKINS, Stephen James; JOHNSTON, David W.; KUNZ, Johannes S.; SHIELDS, Michael A.; and STAUB, Kevin E.. The importance of sampling frequency for estimates of well-being dynamics. (2024). Economics Letters. 242, 1-4.
Available at: https://ink.library.smu.edu.sg/rosa_publications/3

Copyright Owner and License

Authors CC-BY

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.

Additional URL

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.econlet.2024.111880