Happiness Trends Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Indonesia: Assessing the Influence of Charitable Donations and Pandemic Severity

Abstract

Indonesia’s position as the world’s fourth most populous nation, its reputation as one of the most generous countries, and its deep experience with the COVID-19 pandemic provide an intriguing context for exploring happiness, acts of charity, and pandemic severity. This chapter delves into how generosity affects individual well-being during the pandemic, specifically focusing on the moderating influence of regular and occasional donations (sedekah) on the connection between COVID-19 severity and self-reported happiness. Data from the 2017 and 2021 Surveys on Happiness Level Measurement (SPTK) are employed and analyzed using a multilevel mixed-effects ordered logistic model.The findings reveal that residents in provinces with higher COVID-19 cases reported reduced happiness compared to those in less-affected regions. Furthermore, giving regular and occasional sedekah donations are associated with increased self-reported happiness, particularly among regular donors who feel a stronger sense of purpose and connection to their causes. Conversely, a negative moderation effect indicates that making regular and occasional sedekah diminishes the link between COVID-19 severity and self-reported happiness, resulting in a less significant impact than non-donors. Ultimately, the pandemic’s severity diminishes the positive influence of donations on happiness.This study thoroughly examines the intricate interplay between external events, acts of generosity, and contextual factors that influence individual well-being amid a global crisis.