Abstract for:

Genes, Economics and Happiness

Nicholas A.  Christakis,  Jan-Emmanuel  De Neve,  James H.  Fowler,  Bruno S.  Frey,  February 2012
Paper No' CEPDP1127: | Full paper

---

Save Reference as: BibTeX File | EndNote Import File

---

Keywords: wellbeing; socio-demographics, happiness, genetics, life satisfaction

JEL Classification: A12; D03; D87; Z00

Is hard copy/paper copy available? YES - Paper Copy Still In Print.

---

This Paper is published under the following series: CEP Discussion Papers

---

Share: Google Bookmarks | Facebook | Twitter

---

Abstract:

A major finding from research into the sources of subjective well-being is that individuals exhibit a “baseline” level of happiness. We explore the influence of genetic variation by employing a twin design and genetic association study. We first show that about 33% of the variation in happiness is explained by genes. Next, using two independent data sources, we present evidence that individuals with a transcriptionally more efficient version of the serotonin transporter gene (SLC6A4) report significantly higher levels of life satisfaction. These results are the first to identify a specific gene that is associated with happiness and suggest that behavioral models benefit from integrating genetic variation.