Psychological Well-Being for Public Policy

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Psychological Well-Being for Public Policy

Professor Ed Diener

26 October 2016

5.00pm - 6.30pm

SMU Mochtar Riady Auditorium

Singapore

In recent years, there is a growing awareness of the limitations of relying solely on economic indicators for policy guidance and the enhancement of societal quality of life. The recognition of psychological well-being, particularly the concept of "happiness" and how individuals perceive and evaluate their lives, has gained prominence as an additional factor in policy discussions, alongside economic indicators. These measures of well-being have shed light on non-economic elements that significantly influence the overall well-being of societies, surpassing the scope of traditional GDP measurements.

Professor Ed Diener, also known as "Dr Happiness," shared his insights into the need for national accounts of well-being and the policies that can positively impact societies. Using Singapore as an example, he discussed the key differences between "quality of living" and "happiness".

Economic development, progressive income tax and a higher tax rate for the wealthy are common factors in a happy and thriving society.
Singapore has done well to address air pollution, which is a factor linked to lower life satisfaction - a critical step given its population growth over the post-war decades.
Money does not always lead to happiness. Levels of satisfaction with education, affordable housing and respect at work are the strongest predictors.

Speaker

Professor Ed Diener

Professor of Psychology. Senior Scientist, Gallup Organisation
University of Utah, University of Virginia

On policies that promote well-being

There are things that we can do policy-wise to improve subjective well-being. For example, airport noise and long commutes are bad for happiness. Not only are they stressful, they take away from other things you enjoy. There are things, like zoning laws, that societies can do to help with that.

There are things that we can do policy-wise to improve subjective well-being. For example, airport noise and long commutes are bad for happiness. Not only are they stressful, they take away from other things you enjoy. There are things, like zoning laws, that societies can do to help with that.

Professor Ed Diener
Professor of Psychology. Senior Scientist, Gallup Organisation
University of Utah, University of Virginia

Happiness or well-being has downstream consequences that are usually beneficial. On average, happy people have better health, better jobs, better marriages and are better citizens. A whole lot of data is now showing that. There are only a few studies that go in the other direction.