Happiness has been found to be associated with: age. gender. parenthood. religious faith.
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer: Happiness has been found to be associated with age and religious faith.
Explanation:
Research in psychology and sociology has examined how various factors like age, gender, parenthood, and religious faith relate to happiness or subjective well-being. The associations differ in strength and consistency.
1. Age:
Studies consistently show that happiness varies across the lifespan, often following a U-shaped curve. Younger adults and older adults tend to report higher happiness, while middle-aged adults sometimes report lower levels due to life stresses such as career and family demands. Older adults, despite potential health declines, often report higher life satisfaction because of better emotional regulation and acceptance. So, age is clearly associated with happiness, but the relationship is complex and changes throughout life stages.
2. Gender:
Gender differences in happiness are generally small or negligible. While women sometimes report higher positive emotions and men report higher life satisfaction, overall, gender is not a strong or consistent predictor of happiness. Cultural and social contexts influence these findings. Thus, gender is not reliably associated with happiness in a direct or universal way.
3. Parenthood:
The relationship between parenthood and happiness is mixed and depends on factors like cultural expectations, social support, and personal values. Some studies find parents report more meaning in life but also more daily stress and less moment-to-moment happiness than non-parents. Parenthood may increase life satisfaction over time but can reduce immediate positive feelings. Therefore, parenthood’s association with happiness is inconsistent.
4. Religious Faith:
Religious faith is often strongly associated with greater happiness and life satisfaction. Religious beliefs and practices provide social support, meaning, purpose, and coping mechanisms, which enhance well-being. Many studies find that people who report strong religious faith tend to have higher levels of subjective well-being.
Summary:
Among the four factors—age, gender, parenthood, and religious faith—age and religious faith show clearer, more consistent associations with happiness, while gender and parenthood have weaker or more mixed relationships. This is why happiness has been found to be most reliably associated with age and religious faith.