Reference: Morrison, M., Tay, L., & Diener, E. (2011). Subjective Well - Being and National Satisfaction: Findings From a Worldwide Survey. Psychological Science , 22 (2), 166 – 171. https://doi - org.portal.lib.fit.edu/10.1177/0956797610396224 Can people living in poverty, feel life happiness? The country where you live impacts your life, job opportunities, and quality of healthcare. Researchers examined the relationship between satisfaction with one’s country and their feeling well - being. T hey surveyed 132,000 persons worldwide from 128 countr ies. They asked them questions related to life, nationality, personal health, and job satisfaction. They asked if moving, or environmental variables impact ed them. Results? National satisfaction strong ly predict ed life satisfaction, household income and conveniences, moving, average income, and region. N ational satisfaction more strongly predict ed well - being w hen individuals are poverty - stricken or live in collectivistic cultures like East Asian /Japan and Latin America/Mexico (that endorse harmonious relationships, family, and the well - being of the in - group) . Neither Health, standard of living, nor job predicted happiness . W hen people live d in individualistic cultures like North America and Europe fo cus ing on individual success, they measure happiness by looking at their personal life (job or family). But when life is tough, or when living in collectivistic cultures , people tend to judge happiness based on how well their society or community is doing . Everyone! As Independence Day approaches, let’s focus on our personal and collective successes re membering what to be thankful for!

Written by Kristin T. Harris, Ph.D.