Showing papers in "Social Indicators Research in 1994"

Assessing Subjective Well-Being: Progress and Opportunities

Abstract: Subjective well-being (SWB) comprises people's longer-term levels of pleasant affect, lack of unpleasant affect, and life satisfaction. It displays moderately high levels of cross-situational consistency and temporal stability. Self-report measures of SWB show adequate validity, reliability, factor invariance, and sensitivity to change. Despite the success of the measures to date, more sophisticated approaches to defining and measuring SWB are now possible. Affect includes facial, physiological, motivational, behavioral, and cognitive components. Self-reports assess primarily the cognitive component of affect, and thus are unlikely to yield a complete picture of respondents' emotional lives. For example, denial may influence self-reports of SWB more than other components. Additionally, emotions are responses which vary on a number of dimensions such as intensity, suggesting that mean levels of affect as captured by existing measures do not give a complete account of SWB. Advances in cognitive psychology indicate that differences in memory retrieval, mood as information, and scaling processes can influence self-reports of SWB. Finally, theories of communication alert us to the types of information that are likely to be given in self-reports of SWB. These advances from psychology suggest that a multimethod approach to assessing SWB will create a more comprehensive depiction of the phenomenon. Not only will a multifaceted test battery yield more credible data, but inconsistencies between various measurement methods and between the various components of well-being will both help us better understand SWB indictors and group differences in well-being. Knowledge of cognition, personality, and emotion will also aid in the development of sophisticated theoretical definitions of subjective well-being. For example, life satisfaction is theorized to be a judgment that respondents construct based on currently salient information. Finally, it is concluded that measuring negative reactions such as depression or anxiety give an incomplete picture of people's well-being, and that it is imperative to measure life satisfaction and positive emotions as well.

Is happiness a trait

Abstract: One of the ideological foundations of the modern welfare states is the belief that people can be made happier by providing them with better living conditions. This belief is challenged by the theory that happiness is a fixed ‘trait’, rather than a variable ‘state’. This theory figures both at the individual level and at the societal level. The individual level variant depicts happiness as an aspect of personal character; rooted in inborn temperament or acquired disposition. The societal variant sees happiness as a matter of national character; embedded in shared values and beliefs. Both variants imply that a better society makes no happier people.

Enhancing Quality of Life in the Population at Large

Abstract: The purpose of this review was to identify and discuss emerging issues in the literature on quality of life in the population at large. Interest in the topic has developed from a desire to compare cultural units, to develop normative data, and to establish programs to enhance quality of life. An attempt is made to impose some empirical and theoretical order on the numerous definitions and measures of quality of life, that have been used with the population at large. A taxonomy is provided that outlines the relationship among measures of quality of life. Following this discussion, studies identifying those factors that may influence quality of life in the population at large are examined, and a model linking these factors is proposed. The model includes Personal/Dispositional Factors, Biosociophysical Environmental Factors, General and Domain Specific Skills, Affective Tone, Social Support and Cognitive Appraisal as they relate to Quality of Life. Potential Quality of Life enhancement programs are considered with respect to their orientation (Person, Environment) and their mode of delivery (One on one, Education, Legislation). Recommendations concerning measures that can be implemented to enhance quality of life in the population at large are made.

The quality of student life: Toward a coherent conceptualization

Abstract: Under various guises, the concept of the quality of student life (QSL) has received much attention in the higher education literature. Unfortunately, its various uses have in common that they all lack conceptual coherence. In an effort to remedy this situation, and render QSL useful for researchers, administrators and student services personnel, this paper does three things. First, a conceptual framework is used as a means of organizing a wide-ranging review of relevant literatures across several disciplines. Integration of the inferences derived yields a new formal definition of QSL. Next, building on a critique of four theoretical models of QSL, a new ecological formulation is advanced which stresses the need to consider various on- and off-campus contexts if efforts to assess student satisfaction and happiness are to be meaningful. Third, a number of salient methodological issues are examined in light of this formulation. To the extent that these approaches collectively yield a more coherent conceptualization of QSL, it is concluded that the idea of QSL deserves much greater prominence than it now enjoys.

Quality of Life as a Concept and Measurable Entity

Abstract: This chapter proposes that “quality of life” (QOL) is a multidimensional concept, the measurement of which must contain objective elements of a person’s life. It is further suggested that in the development of QOL measurement instruments the selection of items must be influenced significantly by the views of the population under study. Instruments to measure quality of life have been flawed owing to their inadequate conceptual bases and the attempts to utilise general measures which are often the “broad brush” to detect changes in disease specific situations. The chapter outlines conceptual approaches to quality of life and provides an analysis of a range of definitions. It provides an overview of a number of approaches to measure QOL in specific populations. Finally, it addresses some of the potential uses and abuses involved in the measurement of QOL.

Self-esteem among ethnic minority youth in Western countries

Abstract: Low global self-esteem among minority youth living in Western countries has been considered a truism for a long time. Empirical research, however, tells another story. A review of recent studies using well-established scales is presented, showing no systematic indications of lower global self-esteem. Four possible methodological/technical explanations for this finding are discussed: superficial measuring, defensiveness, measure equivalence, and respons patterns. It is concluded that there are no systematic and decisive methodological/technical explanations for the empirical find. In the present study attention is focusses on socio-psychological explanations. Three different assumptions underlying the argument for presumed lower self-esteem among minority youth were empirically studied among Turkish youth living in the Netherlands. The results show that these assumptions are not invariably true which explains why, in general, minority youth do not have lower global self-esteem. It is argued that these assumptions can also be used to predict under what conditions minority status will be associated with lower self-esteem.

Forging Ahead: Linking Health and Behavior to Improve Quality of Life in Older People

Abstract: This chapter will focus on conceptual and methodological issues related to health promotion/disability prevention for older people. The first section will begin with a discussion of why older people, as compared to younger persons, are not traditionally seen as targets of health promotion efforts. In recent years several national working groups have been established to examine how older people's health and functioning can be improved. Their objectives and recommendations for older Americans will be reviewed. The second section will address the conceptual framework underlying health and behavior research supported by the National Institute on Aging. The movement from correlational studies to studies of basic mechanisms linking health and behaviour will be discussed, with particular attention to interactions with aging processes. Examples of health and behavior research representing these processes will be presented as well as methodological issues in the measurement of health and functional outcomes for older people. Measurement of quality of life in the cognitively impaired is seen as especially difficult. The third section will review several common themes emanating from these research studies. These include attention to a life course perspective, variability in aging processes, alternative research approaches, and intervention strategies for both initiating and maintaining recommended behavioral changes. A fourth section will review current areas of investigation at the National Institute of Aging. Successful intervention strategies in both community and institutional settings will to presented. These include: (1) a comprehensive behavioral and environmental falls prevention program which has been shown to reduce falls in the community; (2) a health education program to increase older women's use of cancer-related health practices; and (3) behavioral strategies for reducing incontinence in nursing homes. A new NIA initiative on special care units for persons with dementia will also be discussed. The fifth and final section will deal with issues involved in the translation of research into policy and practice. Approaches for increasing the relevance of research to policymakers will be discussed.

Intrinsic satisfaction derived from office recycling behavior: A case study in Taiwan

Abstract: Despite the fact that more and more researchers have devoted themselves to recycling studies in varied settings, virtually no research has been conducted to study the causal relationships between intrinsic satisfaction and individual recycling behavior in office settings In addition, little research has tried to explore whether there is only one index of intrinsic satisfaction or several distinct indices This paper examines the dimensionality of intrinsic satisfaction It also explores the causal relationships between intrinsic satisfaction and office recycling behavior Data from field surveys conducted in 32 different organizations in Taiwan were analyzed The findings indicate that there are at least two distinct factors regarding intrinsic satisfaction — participation and frugality These data suggest that intrinsic satisfaction can be derived from office recycling activities, not only being predictors of office recycling behavior

Socio-economic status and life satisfaction in Turkey

Abstract: The relationship between one's objective living conditions and his/her subjective well-being is a problematic one. This paper discusses the results of a survey conducted in Turkey to explore the impacts of socio-economic status on satisfaction with various domains of life, and satisfaction of basic, and social and psychological needs. The results from the univariate, bivariate analyses and the multiple discriminant analysis indicate that socio-economic status is a strong determining factor in satisfaction with life domains and satisfaction of needs.

Objective and subjective indicators of community evaluation: a Pennsylvania assessment

Abstract: The relationships between subjective and objective measures of well-being were assessedusing data from a survey of Pennsylvania residents and county-level statistical measures complied from secondary sources. Following Ross, Bluestone, and Hines (1979), objective social indicators were derived to measure socioeconomic status, family status, health status, and alienation for Pennsylvania countries. These indices were only modestly intercorrelated, suggesting that they measured somewhat different ideas. Subjective well-being was assessed by asking more than 3000 individual respondents to a mail survey to rate the quality of their communities. Responses were dichotomized and logistic regression used to assess the effects of the objective indicators of county well-being to individual community evaluations. The relationships were small, and inconsistent. Implications of the findings are discussed.

Quality of Life for Students with Disabilities in Transition from School to Adulthood

Abstract: This paper examines quality-of-life concerns that pertain to secondary level students with disabilities who participate in high school programs in the United States. More specifically, we examine issues and programs that pertain to the “transition period” during which students leave school and begin to assume adult roles in their communities. The paper begins with an overview of major programs that have addressed this area over the past 25 years. We then present some contrasting definitions of quality of life, in order to provide a theoretical context for examining issues and concerns, ending with our recommendations for a taxonomy that can be used for operationally defining quality of life. Research findings from this perspective are presented next, followed by a discussion of ways in which quality-of-life information can be used to influence program and policy and policy decisions at both personal and institutional levels of discourse. We cite and describe several examples of such usage from our own experiences. The paper closes with some recommendations concerning what we must do in the future to improve quality of life for this population.

Improving the Quality of Life of People with Severe Mental Disorders

Abstract: In the last forty years, there has been a movement (deinstitutionalization) to displace the locus of care of people with severe and persistent mental illness from the psychiatric hospitals to more community-based networks of services. In connection with this movement, the concept of quality of life (objective and subjective) has profoundly altered the perception of the type of care that should be offered to this clientele, as well as the objectives of that care. This paper will first consider the context in which the concept of quality of life first appeared in the mental health field. The work accomplished in this area of interest over the past fifteen years will then be reviewed. Based on descriptive and comparative studies, it will be possible to identify the factors that contribute to the subjective assessment of quality of life-as-a-whole and compare quality of life in clinical and general populations and in different life settings. The paper reports what can be learned from evaluative studies about the contribution of services to quality of life, and concludes with a discussion of ways to improve the quality of life of people with severe mental disorders.

Improving the quality of life: Prescriptions for change

Abstract: The main points made in the previous papers are summarized and integrated and the strategies that the authors have recommended for producing an improved QOL are discussed. QOL is also systematically reviewed in relation to matters of definition, assessment, applications, and directions for future research and practice.

Long and short term poverty: is Germany a two-thirds society?

Abstract: Social scientists and media commentators have expressed concern that Western countries are becoming “two-thirds societies” in which two-thirds enjoy the benefits of affluence, while one-third are locked into poverty or near-poverty. This paper, based on economic panel data, tests the two-thirds society hypothesis in the case of (West) Germany 1984–89. The main finding is that poverty (defined as receiving less than half of average household income) is mostly short term and that nothing like one-third are locked into poverty. On the other hand, far more people than had previously been thought are at risk of poverty. In 1984–89 only 3% were poor every year but about 25% were poor in at least one year. Germany appears to be a 75-15-10 society: 75% not poor, 15% occasionally poor but with generally adequate incomes, and 10% frequently poor or near-poor with incomes that may be considered inadequate. Analysis is based on the German Socio-Economic Panel Study (SOEP) and relates to the 8,000 people who were interviewed each year from 1984 to 1989.

Is subjective well-being a predictor of nonresponse in broad population surveys?

Abstract: In connection with a medical screening operation for hypertension and diabetes among all adults (20+) in a medium-sized Norwegian county, all screenees were required to fill in a questionnaire containing questions about subjective well-being (overall life satisfaction and self-assessed health) Since screenees in practice constituted a “captive audience”, questionnaire data are available for an unusually large proportion (88%) of the eligible population (N=71 896) Information about socioeconomic background could be obtained for all screenees through record-linking A second questionnaire was handed to all screenees as they left the screening site The response rate (by mail) for this second questionnaire was quite “normal”, appr 80% Working on the assumption that nonresponders and/or late responders for the second questionnaire are representative of persons not responding in ordinary broad population surveys, nonresponse biases in the means, variances and covariances of our measures (in the first questionnaire and the outside records) could be investigated Bivariate results showed a slight overrepresentation of screenees with poor self-assessed health among those who returned the second questionnaire promptly by mail However, multivariate analyses controlling for the age composition of person with less favorable self-assessed health reversed this pattern completely so that the onlydirect effect from subjective well-being remaining is a very slight tendency for persons in poor self-assessed health to fail to cooperate

Using Quality of Life Information to Set Priorities in Health Policy

Abstract: Health care has as primary objectives extending life expectancy and improving quality of life in years prior to death. This paper offers a General Health Policy Model as a method for quantifying these outcomes. The model adjusts life expectancy for diminished quality of life, which is measured using a standardized instrument known as the Quality of Well-being (QWB) scale. The Well-year or Quality Adjusted Life Year (QALY) results from these analyses and serves as a single quantitative expression of health benefit. QALY units integrate side effects and benefits of treatment by combining into a single number, mortality, morbidity, and duration of each health state. Examples show the application of the model relevant to a variety of medical and public health problems, including diabetes, arthritis, AIDS, neonatal circumcision, and tobacco tax. It is suggested that the General Health Policy Model has advantages for guiding both individual and public health decisions.

A client-satisfaction-based model of urban public service delivery organizational effectiveness

Abstract: This article proposes a model for measuring the performance of urban public service delivery agencies. It also presents the results of the model's application to a case study involving urban housing policy organizations (HPOs) in Cameroon. The model incorporates consumer satisfaction, an obvious indicator of the effectiveness construct that is conspicuously lacking in extant models of organizational effectiveness. By incorporating this indicator, the model is potentially useful to especially city government officials interested in evaluating local public service delivery agencies from the point of view of those they profess to serve, the citizens.

Suicide and happiness: Seven tests of the connection

Abstract: Indirectly, this paper examines the empirical connections between suicide and happiness by looking at the connection of each with seven standard demographic characteristics. They are sex, age, race, parental status, marital status, religiosity and employed status. These seven are chosen because a lot of data are available. We then examine the relationship of these same seven variables to suicide. Our findings indicate that marital status, religiosity and employment status have a (predicted) similar effect on suicide and happiness. Parenthood has an unclear relationship with suicide and happiness. Finally, sex, age and race have dissimilar effects on suicide and happiness. On the basis of this admittedly preliminary analysis, it would be impossible to conclude that happiness and suicide are closely (if inversely) related. First, there is the chance that suicides or happiness levels have been systematically misreported. Second, there may be a problem with our lumping together happiness and satisfaction. Third, there may be a problem with the seven particular independent variables we examined. Had we examined a different seven (or seventy) we might have drawn a different conclusion. In particular, we might have done better with comparative (or cognitive) variables derived from multiple discrepancies theory (MDT), than with demographic ones. In the end, the connection between happiness and suicide is far from certain. More research is needed.

The relationships of affect intensity to happiness

Abstract: Hypotheses on the relationship of affect intensity to psychological well-being were compared between formulations by Larsen and Diener (1987) and Stones and Kozma (1991). The former anticipate a null relationship whereas Stones and Kozma's prescription is more complex. They hypothesize affect intensity to comprise two components which (1) respectively exhibit negative linear and positive quadratic trends on happiness, (2) predict happiness in a subtractive combination, but (3) have a null relationship with happiness in a summative combination. The hypotheses by Stones and Kozma were confirmed with the first two factors from the Affect Intensity Measure Simplified (AIMS). Affect intensity and its relationships to happiness are subsequently discussed from quantitative and qualitative perspectives.

Measuring the occupational segregation of Australia's indigenous workforce: A census-based analysis

Abstract: This purpose of this paper is to describe the occupational status of Australia's indigenous population and measure the extent to which this differs from that of all other Australians. For this purpose, inter- and intra-occupational segregation indexes are calculated using 1986 Census data. This reveals for the first time the precise occupational mix which characterises the indigenous workforce. At the broad level of major occupations, there is some indication that the degree of employment segregation between indigenous and other Australians has decreased over time, although the lack of time series data based on consistent occupational classification renders this analysis inconclusive. At the more disaggregated occupational unit level, clear patterns of relative employment concentration and exclusion in particular occupations are in evidence with gender as a major differentiating factor. Australian Standard Classification of Occupations (ASCO)-linked occupational prestige scores are applied to the employment distributions as a basis for comparing socioeconomic status.

Immigrants and Canadian-born: A consumption behaviour assessment

Abstract: Immigration has always been of great significance to Canada. This study undertakes an examination of the demand-side impact of immigration on the Canadian economy. Consumption patterns, both aggregate and disaggregate, are estimated using the data base provided by the 1986 Statistics Canada Survey of Family Expenditures. Aggregate results indicate that immigrant consumption spatterns approach those of the Canadian-born over time while the disaggregate analysis provides several exceptions to this finding. While immigrants tend to behave like their Canadian-born counterparts in areas of shelter, household operation and health care, significant differences are observed in the majority of other categories analyzed.

The structural causes of infant mortality decline in Chile.

Abstract: The effect of macro processes on infant mortality rates is explored in this analysis of Chilean provincial statistics over five decades. Urbanization and pluralism, as measured by the percent of the population in urban centers and the percent voting, predict lower infant mortality strongly and consistently. The theoretical rationale for linking macrostructural variables to biological outcomes is then examined in more detail. It is argued that the structural model employed here is an improvement on the conventional modernization/biomedical explanation because of its greater consistency and specificity, and because inclusion of measures of health technology in the tests did not eliminate the effect of the structural variables.

A study of physical-health and neuroticism among women engaged in the home-based production of chikan embroidery

Abstract: The present study examined physical health and neuroticism among women (n=200) engaged in the unorganized home-based production of chikan embroidery. Physical health of women chikan workers was examined with the help of an abbreviated version of CMI, and neuroticism, with PGI Health Questionnaire N-2 in easy paced, face to face personal interviews. The results indicated that women chikan workers in general were facing some serious health problems. Significant variations were also obtained across groups of women associated with different centres of chikan production. The study points towards the stressful nature of environment in which these women chikan workers live and work.

A further consideration of the human aspects of economic readjustment in Hungary

Abstract: The economic transition to a market economy has not only caused severe economic disruption in the nations of Central and Eastern Europe but also uncertainty among the population. This study presents indicators of the Hungarian population's perceptions and expectations with respect to levels of inflation, unemployment and poverty. A survey of published social and quality of life indicators revealed that the necessary information to carry out this study was not available. Instead, data from a monthly Hungarian Gallup Institute sample poll was obtained and this information was disaggregated by income classification and place of residence to show the differential effect of these factors. The study shows that lower income groups and residents of smaller places are generally more concerned about the future prospects of unemployment and inflation than higher income groups and residents of larger places. Given the level of unemployment, however, which even to June 1992 was relatively low by international standards, a very large proportion of the overall population are concerned about the possibility of becoming unemployed. The volatility of public perceptions toward the variables considered in the study is clearly shown for all classifications by income and residence, many of which would seem to have no logical explanation. In all groupings, pessimism about the future has increased over the period considered.

The weighting of an international health status index

Abstract: The major purpose of this paper is to suggest possible weights for a global index of health status. The indicators for the global index are taken from the World Health Organization's definition of health as physical, mental and social well-being. These indicators are combined with mortality indicators to arrive at a finalized index. Survey methodology is used to make initial estimates of the weighting of appropriate indicators, based upon a sample of international health scholars. Preliminary results indicate that mortality is weighted 40%, physical health (morbidity and disability) 25%, mental health 15%, and social health 20%. These results are intended as a starting point for future research.

Developing social indicators for registered indians living on reserve: the diand experience

Abstract: Au Canada, le DIAND est le Departement des Affaires Indiennes et du Developpement du Nord. Particulierement concerne par la question du bien-etre des Indiens vivant dans les reserves, cet organisme gouvernemental a besoin d'indicateurs sociaux pour controler les conditions socio-economiques de ces populations. Cet article examine la situation actuelle du DIAND puis detaille les nouveaux indicateurs qu'il met en place, avec les problemes methodologiques qui y sont attaches et la strategie adoptee pour les developper

Recent patterns in downward income mobility: Sinking boats in a rising tide

Abstract: This paper employs four measures of downward income mobility and 1984–1986 PSID data to examine the extent and possible causes of downward mobility. Despite modest economic growth during this period, a substantial number of Americans experienced downward income mobility, roughly 5% to 20%. The majority of the downwardly mobile initially lived with a nonelderly, Caucasian, male, less-educated, working household head. Logit analysis indicates that the following factors significantly increase the odds of downward income mobility: Male headship; minority headship; family dissolution; nest-leaving; and having a head who works in mining, construction, manufacturing, transportation, trade, or farming. The following factors significantly lower the odds of downward income mobility: Retaining the same household head; having a college-educated head; having a head who works in a professional, technical, or operative occupation; and having a head in the finance, insurance, and real estate industry.

Application of a nonlinear mathematical model to data on a successful theraputic intervention

Abstract: A mathematical model is applied to happiness and mood data from a successful group therapy intervention with elderly nursing home residents (Rattenbury and Stones, 1989). The model permits estimations of acute environmental change within and across therapy sessions, and the comparison of such estimates with the changes in happiness from before to after the total intervention. The findings show intervention success (i.e., the change in happiness) to correlate with across session changes, and particularly those in the basal (presession) acute environment, but with no correlation between therapeutic success and within session changes. These findings suggest a positive facilitation to the chronic environment during the progression of therapy.

Anticipating attendance in reminiscence therapy with measures of mood and happiness

Abstract: Nineteen community volunteers for a reminiscence intervention were grouped into those attending no more than one-quarter of sessions and those attending approximately three-quarters of sessions. A model of psychological well-being was used to discriminate these groups. Predictions from the model were confirmed in two analyses: attendance was related negatively to baseline mood but positively to baseline happiness; the acute/chronic environmental discrepancy term of the model was negatively related to attendance. The model correctly assigned 16/19 (85%) of subjects to attendance categories.