The Origins of Happiness

Health of Mind and Body

the figure— the magnitudes here are not β- statistics but the ab-

solute impact of each variable on life- satisfaction (0– 1). As can

be seen from the lower part of the figure, the public hugely

underestimate by how much mental pain (compared with

physical pain) would reduce their satisfaction with life.^18

Level 2: Moderately anxious or depressed

Level 3: Extremely anxious or depressed

Mental pain

Level 2: Moderate pain or discomfort

Level 3: Extreme pain or discomfort

Physical pain

Level 2: Some problems in performing

Level 3: Unable to perform usual activities

Usual activities

Level 2: Some problems in washing or dressing

Level 3: Unable to wash or dress

Self-care

Level 2: Some problems walking about

Level 3: Conned to bed

Mobility

–0.4 –0.3 –0.2 –0.1 0.0 0.1

QALYs

Life-satisfaction

Figure 6.1. How life- satisfaction (0– 1) is affected by the EQ5D, compared with weights used in
Q A LYs