Income, Debt, Cognitive Strategies of Acceptance and Happiness

Abstract

_{ABSTRACT
Objectives: To explore to what extent Thai people are happy and external and internal factors affecting happiness among Thai people.
Methods: Data from the socio-economic survey in 2009 were utilized. The survey adopted stratified two - stage sampling. There were 52,000 sample households. Population aged 15 years and over were interviewed during January to December. Binary logistic regression was used to explore factors affecting happiness. The dependent variable was categorized into more
happiness or less happiness. The independent variables included household income and household debt for external factors and ability of one’s mind to accept serious problems for the internal factor. The controlling factors were sex, age, marital status, education attainment and occupation
Results: The sample consisted of 81,019 people. The proportion of females was slightly higher than that of males. The highest proportions were those in the working ages (25-59 years), currently married, completed primary education, engaged in the agricultural sector, living in households
with legal debt. The average household income were 14,386 Baht per month. About 82.9 percent of population were in the more happiness category. Controlling for demographic and social factors, the results showed that people living in households with the highest average household income, households without debt were happiest. Those living in households with legal debt were
happier than households with illegal debt. In addition, those who had higher ability to manage their minds to accept serious problems were more likely to be happier.
Conclusion: The study found that 82.9 percent of the population were in the more happiness category. Income, debt and cognitive strategies of acceptance were significant factors affecting happiness among Thai people.}