The 2024 World Happiness Report was published yesterday. Lots of amazing, troubling, and important findings, like a large decline in well being among young Americans. But it's important to note a big issue with one of Gallup's main happiness ratings, used in the Report 1/n
A central measure of happiness used in this (and many) studies is the "Cantril Ladder," which asks people to imagine a hierarchy of lives, worst to best, and place themselves on it. Makes sense, right? 2/n
@zakijam @metzpsych Sound critique and I agree on its wide-ranging value
@zakijam Counterpoint: One might argue that status and dominance influence happiness levels so they partially overlap. Effects are not just seen on these ladder scales, but also if we observe people qualitatively reflection of their low status.