Much of the discussion over happiness has focused on the significance of income. Some researchers argue that cognitive factors (expectations, social comparisons, cognitive schemas) is the mediating part between income and happiness, however, positive psychology suggests that happiness determines the effect of social comparison itself. We have chosen to explore the relationship between household income, economic stress, happiness, and cognitive schemas. The surveys were conducted in Lithuania in 2014 -2016 (representative samples, n=2005). The analysis of data has demonstrated statistically significant variations and relations between the factors. Most importantly, we identified psychological profiles of happy people under economic stress. These profiles demonstrate the high value of psychological capital, resilience, hope, self - efficacy, gratitude, social ties and meaning of life.

This media entry was a contribution to the special session „Profiles of happy people under economic stress“ at the 5th International Degrowth Conference in Budapest in 2016.