Measuring relational factors underlying subjective happiness

Social attitudes and social values are among the socioeconomic factors that should always be considered in measurements of subjective happiness. This is an implication of the results of a path model of the structure underlying the influence of social capital, individual characteristics and the subjective judgment on personal economic conditions on subjective happiness. Generalised trust was found to be most significantly related to happiness. The regression coefficients of the model indicate that the strength of this relationship was comparable to that of other well-known determinants of happiness. These include demographics and economic conditions. Regarding the relationship among the social capital proxies, a positive relationship between civic-mindedness and generalised trust was observed. Conversely, parentally instilled cautious trust of others was found to have a negative relationship with trust.