Nearly two thirds of Americans say they are very or somewhat happy, according to Keirsey Research. Americans most likely to say they are happy are extroverts with an annual household income of $75,000 or more (82%). The unemployed (46%) are the least likely to be happy.
Many factors affect happiness:
• Personality: Extroverts (75%) are more likely to be happy than introverts (56%).
• Wealth: Those with annual household incomes of $75,000 or more (72%) are more likely to be happy than those with annual household incomes of $50,000 or less (59%).
• Love: Those who are engaged (71%) are more likely to be happy than those who are separated but not divorced (48%).
• Age: Americans get happier as they get older, though happiness dips at age 35-44 (58%) when family and career pressures are at their highest.
• Family: Those whose children have left home (73%) are happier than those who do not have children (62%) and those who are divorced and sharing custody (56%).
• Education: Increased education results in increased happiness, with 68% of those with a bachelor’s or graduate degree stating they are happy.
Source: Keirsey Research, Kip Parent, CEO, PO Box 6279, San Mateo, CA 94403; 650-276-0770; info@keirsey.com; www.keirsey.com.
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