The Origins of Happiness

Chapter 6

Table 6.1. How would the percentage in misery fall if each problem could

be eliminated on its own?

α- coefficient×

Prevalence

(%) =

α × Prevalence

(% points)

Total in

misery

(% points)

USA (BRFSS)

Poverty (bottom
20%)

0.052 × 20 = 1.04

Unemployed 0.074 × 4.0 = 0.29 5.6

Physical condition
(bottom 20%)

0.025 × 20 = 0.50

Depression or
anxiety, diagnosed

0.102 × 22 = 2.24

Australia (HILDA)

Poverty (bottom
20%)

0.042 × 20 = 0.84

Unemployed 0.094 × 2.5 = 0.23 7.0

Physical illness
lagged (bottom
20%)

0.093 × 20 = 1.86

Depression or
anxiety, diagnosed

0.092 × 21 = 1.93

Britain (BCS)

Poverty (bottom
20%)

0.011 × 20 = 0.22

Unemployed 0.056 × 3.0 = 0.17 8.0

Physical condition
(bottom 20%)

0.019 × 20 = 0.38

Has seen a doctor
for emotional
health problems in
last year

0.152 × 14 = 2.13