Research by Blanchflower & Oswald (2008) found that both younger and older adults are happier than adults in their 40’s. This relationship can best be described as a_______ ?
The correct answer and explanation is:
The relationship described in the research by Blanchflower & Oswald (2008) can best be described as a U-shaped curve.
This U-shaped relationship suggests that happiness tends to be higher in younger and older adults, while it dips in middle adulthood, particularly in a person’s 40s. The finding is often referred to as the “U-shaped happiness curve” because the graph of life satisfaction or happiness over the lifespan typically forms a U shape.
For younger adults, the high levels of happiness can be attributed to factors such as optimism, fewer responsibilities, and the excitement of new opportunities. Younger adults may feel that the future is full of possibilities, which can contribute to a positive outlook on life.
As people enter their 40s, they may face challenges such as career pressures, raising children, or managing personal relationships. These stressors may contribute to a decline in happiness during this period. In this stage of life, individuals often reflect on their achievements and may experience a sense of dissatisfaction or feel they have not reached certain goals, which can lead to lower happiness levels.
However, happiness begins to rise again in older adulthood, often due to retirement, fewer work-related pressures, and the freedom that comes with having more control over how one spends their time. Older adults may also gain perspective on life and develop greater emotional resilience, contributing to increased happiness. The decline in physical abilities or the loss of loved ones may offset this rise in happiness for some, but overall, the trend remains U-shaped across many cultures.
This U-shaped curve has been observed across different societies, making it a widely studied phenomenon in the field of psychology and economics.