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Trends and Variation in the Gap Between Current and Anticipated Life Satisfaction in the United States, 2008–2020.

Authors :
Riley, Carley
Herrin, Jeph
Lam, Veronica
Parsons, Allison A.
Kaplan, George A.
Liu, Diana
Witters, Dan
Krumholz, Harlan M.
Roy, Brita
Source :
American Journal of Public Health. Mar2022, Vol. 112 Issue 3, p509-517. 9p.
Publication Year :
2022

Abstract

Objectives. To describe national- and county-level trends and variation in a novel measure of hope. Methods. Using data from the Gallup National Health and Well-Being Index (n = 2 766 728), we summarized the difference between anticipated life satisfaction (ALS) and current life satisfaction (CLS), measured by the Cantril Self-Anchoring Scale, for each year from 2008 to 2020 and by county over two 5-year periods in the United States. Results. Across all years, there was a significant positive trend in the difference between ALS and CLS for the nation (P =.024), which remained positive but not significant when we excluded 2020. Maintenance of ALS with a decrease in CLS drove the 2020 increase. From 2008–2012 to 2013–2017, 14.5% of counties with 300 or more responses (n = 599) experienced an increase in the difference of more than 1 SD, whereas 13.9% experienced a more than 1 SD decrease. Fifty-two counties experienced decreases in ALS and CLS. Conclusions. Responding to trends in the gap between ALS and CLS at national and local levels is essential for the collective well-being of our nation, especially as we navigate and emerge from crisis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
00900036
Volume :
112
Issue :
3
Database :
Academic Search Index
Journal :
American Journal of Public Health
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
155395313
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.2105/ajph.2021.306589