The Effect of Individual Factors, Socioeconomic and Social Participation on Individual Happiness: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

INTRODUCTIONHappiness is one of the most important values [1] that always has been associated with pleasure, optimism and hope [2]. In fact, the happiness is an inner state that is derived from human judgment and experience [3,4]. Eysenck believes that happiness is a collection of fun, a combination of maximum positive effect and the least negative emotion without pain. Happiness and vitality are the most essential human innate desires and psychological need. So happiness and its determinants, has been considered as an important subject [5]. It is important to understand that happiness creates energy, enthusiasm, vitality, movement and dynamism. It also protects humans against stress and problems [6] along with physical and mental health [7]. This means that often happy people are less sick [8] live longer, have less stress and depression than unhappy ones [2]. In fact, happy people have stable marriages, higher incomes and have more creative ideas in comparison to others [9]. Because of the importance of happiness in human life, the psychologists, sociologists, economists, scholars and researchers have investigated the factors affecting human happiness. Subsequently, various theories have been discussed in this field. So, the present study aimed to evaluate the individual, socioeconomic and social factors as main contributing factors on the happiness. MATERIALS AND METHODSThis was a descriptive study. The study population included all 15 to 54-year-old individuals in Ilam province. The study sample size was calculated using n=Z 2 *p*q/ (d) 2. Because the happiness status was unknown in our study population, therefore we considered p=0.5, α= 0.05 and d=0.05 and 385 participants were calculated. After considering design effect = 2, a total sample size of 770 participants was estimated. Considering the possibility of losing a number of questionnaires, the sample size of 800 participants was considered. After removing the incomplete questionnaire, 772 questionnaires were analysed. A random sampling method was used in the present study.The researcher first provided a list of all Ilam provinces' regions and cities. Then 10 cities were chosen among all the regions and cities randomly. The sample size required for each city or area was determined by the proportion of the population in the area to the whole population. Research tools included Oxford Happiness Questionnaire (OHQ)[10] and influencing factors on happiness questionnaire.The OHQ contains 29 items. All items are scored based on a four Likert scale numbered from 0 to 3. The final score ranges from 0 to 89. OHQ has five domains, including; life satisfaction, self esteem, subjective well being, fulfillment and positive mood. A previous study confirmed the validity and reliability of OHQ in Iranian society [11]. In the present study the reliability of this instrument was estimated with a Cronbach's alpha value=0.93.The influencing factors on happiness questionnaire were created using books, similar researches (5-7) and adapting them with the social and cultural e...

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