A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal
The biometric antecedents to happiness
Authors: Böckerman P, Bryson A, Viinikainen J, Hakulinen C, Hintsanen M, Pehkonen J, Viikari J, Raitakari O
Publisher: PUBLIC LIBRARY SCIENCE
Publication year: 2017
Journal: PLoS ONE
Journal name in source: PLOS ONE
Journal acronym: PLOS ONE
Article number: ARTN e0184887
Volume: 12
Issue: 9
First page : 1
Last page: 13
Number of pages: 13
ISSN: 1932-6203
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0184887
Self-archived copy’s web address: https://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/27218375
It has been suggested that biological markers are associated with human happiness. We contribute to the empirical literature by examining the independent association between various aspects of biometric wellbeing measured in childhood and happiness in adulthood. Using Young Finns Study data (n = 1905) and nationally representative linked data we examine whether eight biomarkers measured in childhood (1980) are associated with happiness in adulthood (2001). Using linked data we account for a very rich set of confounders including age, sex, body size, family background, nutritional intake, physical activity, income, education and labour market experiences. We find that there is a negative relationship between triglycerides and subjective well-being but it is both gender-and age-specific and the relationship does not prevail using the later measurements (1983/1986) on triglycerides. In summary, we conclude that none of the eight biomarkers measured in childhood predict happiness robustly in adulthood.
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