1. Regression Model Used in the WHR
The World Happiness Report models happiness using a regression equation that includes economic, social, and emotional factors.
Regression Equation:
Happiness_Score = β₀ + β₁(Log GDP) + β₂(Social Support) + β₃(Health) + β₄(Freedom) + β₅(Generosity) + β₆(Corruption) + β₇(Positive Affect) + β₈(Negative Affect) + ε
Regression Coefficients:
- Log GDP per capita: 0.359
- Social support: 2.526
- Healthy life expectancy: 0.027
- Freedom to make life choices: 1.331
- Generosity: 0.537
- Perceptions of corruption: -0.716
- Positive affect: 2.285
- Negative affect: 0.185
2. Breaking Down the Percentages
Total Impact Calculation:
Total Impact = |0.359| + |2.526| + |0.027| + |1.331| + |0.537| + |0.716| + |2.285| + |0.185| = 7.966
Percentage Weights:
- Log GDP per capita: (0.359 / 7.966) × 100 = 4.51%
- Social support: (2.526 / 7.966) × 100 = 31.71%
- Healthy life expectancy: (0.027 / 7.966) × 100 = 0.34%
- Freedom: (1.331 / 7.966) × 100 = 16.71%
- Generosity: (0.537 / 7.966) × 100 = 6.74%
- Corruption: (0.716 / 7.966) × 100 = 8.99%
- Positive affect: (2.285 / 7.966) × 100 = 28.68%
- Negative affect: (0.185 / 7.966) × 100 = 2.32%
3. Interpretation of the Results
The breakdown reveals that Social Support and Positive Affect dominate the model, together accounting for over 60% of the total weighting.
In contrast, Healthy Life Expectancy, a crucial factor in well-being, is given a weight of just 0.34%, suggesting it has minimal influence on the overall happiness score.