An exploratory study of inter-generational happiness and life goal transmission and cross cultural happiness study.

Abstract

The World’s Database of Happiness shows Singapore’s happiness index in 2006 as 6.97 and China’s happiness index as 6.38. Happiness is a state of feeling difficult to define as it is being determined by a lot of variables in life. Life satisfaction is determined by the fulfillment of achievements in life. Happiness and life satisfaction (HLS) is seen to be an increasingly important factor in countries. This paper will compare HLS levels across Singapore and China, and also weigh the degree of intergenerational linkage in life goals and aspirations. Surveys were conducted in schools in Singapore and China as the primary data collection and a detailed analysis follows with a number of hypotheses. Life goals and aspirations prove to be significant in determining students and parents HLS, some other factors like health and money are also shown how they affect HLS. Further comparisons are made across Singapore and China, to see if cultural differences play a role in determining HLS and answer for differences in intergenerational linkages. Hence, this study is done to further research in HLS.