THE SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC DETERMINANTS OF SELF-RATED HAPPINESS: THE CASE OF PENANG, MALAYSIA

Abstract

In view of the importance of happiness, the present study aims to investigate the sociodemographic determinants of happiness among Penang (Malaysia) adults. An ordered probit model and a primary survey data with a total of 398 observations are used in this study. The results reveal that ethnicity, marital status and education are statistically significant in determining individuals' happiness, whereas income, gender, age, employment status and presence of chronic diseases are not statistically significant in determining individuals' happiness. Based on these observed outcomes, several policy implications are discussed.