Rhythms and Cycles in Happiness

Hamburg Contemporary Economic Discussions No. 46, 2013

19 Pages Posted: 27 May 2017

See all articles by Wolfgang Maennig

Wolfgang Maennig

Universität Hamburg, Faculty of Business, Economics and Social Sciences

Malte Steenbeck

University of Hamburg - School of Business, Economics and Social Sciences

Markus Wilhelm

University of Hamburg - School of Business, Economics and Social Sciences

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Date Written: June 2013

Abstract

This study analyses time-dependent rhythms in happiness in three aspects. We show that the Sunday neurosis exists exclusively for men with a medium level of education and both men and women with high levels of education. Men with high levels of education may even experience a weekend neurosis. This study is the first to test for intra-monthly rhythms and to demonstrate that men with a lower educational background may suffer from negative effects on happiness towards the end of the month, potentially due to liquidity problems. The study is also the first to demonstrate that – even when controlling for health and income effects – happiness exhibits seasonal effects over the annual period, depending on gender and education.

Keywords: happiness, life satisfaction, weekend neurosis, rhythms in time

JEL Classification: D12, I21, I31, J16

Suggested Citation

Maennig, Wolfgang and Steenbeck, Malte and Wilhelm, Markus, Rhythms and Cycles in Happiness (June 2013). Hamburg Contemporary Economic Discussions No. 46, 2013, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2975360 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2975360

Wolfgang Maennig (Contact Author)

Universität Hamburg, Faculty of Business, Economics and Social Sciences ( email )

Von-Melle-Park 5
Hamburg, 20146
Germany

Malte Steenbeck

University of Hamburg - School of Business, Economics and Social Sciences ( email )

Welckerstrasse 8
Hamburg, D-20354
Germany

Markus Wilhelm

University of Hamburg - School of Business, Economics and Social Sciences ( email )

Von-Melle-Park 5
Hamburg, DE D-20146
Germany

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