Vol. 54 No. 2 (2026): Published June 30, 2025
DOI https://doi.org/10.18799/26584956/2026/2/2147
Evolution of theoretical approaches to the relationship between happiness and economic growth: a critical review
In the context of a global rethinking of the goals of economic development, the crisis of the Gross Domestic Product paradigm, and the transition to well-being-oriented policies, the analysis of the theoretical foundations of "happiness economics" acquires particular significance. The body of research accumulated over five decades requires systematization and critical reflection to identify key points of discussion and promising directions for further research in the field of socio-economic systems management. Aim. To systematize and critically analyze the evolution of theoretical approaches to the study of the relationship between economic growth and subjective well-being, as well as to identify key discussion points that define the contemporary scientific agenda in the field of well-being management. Methods. Comparative historical analysis, critical analysis, synthesis, systems approach, content analysis of scientific literature. Results. The author has analyzed the foundational works by R. Easterlin, B. Stevenson and J. Wolfers, B. Frey and A. Stutzer, R. Inglehart, D. Kahneman and A. Deaton, J.-E. De Neve and A. J. Oswald, R. Wilkinson and K. Pickett, C. Graham, A. E. Clark, and S. Flèche. The author identified the key stages in the evolution of scientific thought: from the "Easterlin paradox" through the institutional turn and the differentiation of the concept of happiness, to modern longitudinal studies. The paper systematizes critical arguments concerning each of the approaches examined, and highlights the areas of scientific consensus along with remaining debatable issues. The author determined the significance of theoretical discussions for shaping contemporary well-being policy at the state and business levels, as well as for developing management practices focused on human and psychological capital. Conclusions. The evolution of theoretical approaches demonstrates a transition from simple linear models to complex multidimensional constructs integrating institutional, socio-cultural, psychological, and biological factors. It was established that social relations and mental health are the main determinants of subjective well-being, and inequality acts as a key moderator, neutralizing the positive effects of economic growth. The obtained results emphasize the need to move away from the fetishization of Gross Domestic Product towards multidimensional systems for assessing progress and integrating subjective well-being indicators into the management decision-making system.
For citation: Korosteleva V.V. Evolution of theoretical approaches to the relationship between happiness and economic growth: a critical review. Journal of Wellbeing Technologies, 2026, vol. 54, no. 2, pp. 118–139. https://doi.org/10.18799/26584956/2026/2/2147
Keywords:
happiness, subjective well-being, economic growth, Easterlin paradox, institutional economics, behavioral economics, inequality, social capital, mental health
References:
СПИСОК ЛИТЕРАТУРЫ
1. Стиглиц Д.Ю., Сен А., Фитусси Ж.-П. Неверно оценивая нашу жизнь: Почему ВВП не имеет смысла? Доклад Комиссии по измерению эффективности экономики и социального прогресса. М.: Изд-во Института Гайдара, 2016. 216 с.
2. Easterlin R.A. Happiness and economic growth – the evidence. Global Handbook of Quality of Life. International Handbooks of Quality-of-Life. Eds. W. Glatzer, L. Camfield, V. Møller, M. Rojas. Dordrecht: Springer, 2015.
P. 283–299. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-017-9178-6_12.
3. De Neve J.-E., Oswald A.J. Estimating the influence of life satisfaction and positive affect on later income using sibling fixed effects. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA, 2012, Vol. 109, № 49, P. 19953–19959.
4. Kahneman D., Deaton A. High income improves evaluation of life but not emotional well-being. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA, 2010, Vol. 107, № 38, P. 16489–16493. DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1011492107.
5. Frey B.S., Stutzer A. Happiness and economics: how the economy and institutions affect human well-being. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 2002. 220 p.
6. Inglehart R., Foa R., Peterson C., Welzel C. Development, freedom, and rising happiness: a global perspective
1981–2006. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 2008, Vol. 3, № 4, P. 264–285.
7. Stevenson B., Wolfers J. Subjective well-being and income: is there any evidence of satiation? American Economic Review, 2013, Vol. 103, № 3, P. 598–604. DOI: 10.1257/aer.103.3.598.
8. Wilkinson R., Pickett K. The spirit level: why more equal societies almost always do better. London: Allen Lane, 2009. 352 p.
9. Graham C. Happiness for all?: unequal hopes and lives in pursuit of the American dream. Princeton, Princeton: Princeton University Press, 2017. 192 p.
10. Oishi S., Kesebir S. Income inequality explains why economic growth does not always translate to an increase in happiness. Psychological Science, 2015, Vol. 26, № 10, P. 1630–1638. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0956797615596713.
11. Clark A.E., Flèche S., Layard R., Powdthavee N., Ward G. The origins of happiness: the science of well-being over the life course. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 2018. 336 p.
12. World Happiness Report 2024. Eds. J.F. Helliwell, R. Layard, J.D. Sachs, J.-E. De Neve, L.B. Aknin, S. Wang. Oxford: Wellbeing Research Centre, University of Oxford, 2024. 154 p. URL: https://worldhappiness.report/ed/2024/ (дата обращения 10.03.2024).
13. How's Life? 2020. Measuring well-being. Paris: OECD Publ., 2020. 247 p. DOI: 10.1787/9870c393-en. URL: https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/how-s-life/volume-/issue-_9870c393-en.html (дата обращения 10.03.2026).
14. World Development Report 2021: data for better lives. Washington, DC: World Bank, 2021. 326 p. DOI: 10.1596/978-1-4648-1600-0.
15. Доклад о психическом здоровье в мире: преобразования в интересах всех людей. Краткий обзор. Женева, Всемирная организация здравоохранения, 2022. 15 с. URL: https://www.who.int/ru/publications/i/item/ 9789240050860 (дата обращения 10.03.2026).
16. Коростелева В.В. Эволюция концепций счастья: от абстрактной философской категории к новой парадигме экономического развития. Экономика, предпринимательство и право, 2025, Т. 15, № 10, С. 7061−7080. DOI: https://doi.org/10.18334/epp.15.10.123967. EDN: MOMQPK.
17. Ryff C.D. Happiness is everything, or is it? Explorations on the meaning of psychological well-being. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 1989, Vol. 57, № 6, P. 1069–1081. DOI: 10.1037/0022-3514.57.6.1069. EDN: HIUWTD.
18. Seligman M.E.P. Flourish: a visionary new understanding of happiness and well-being. New York: Free Press, 2011. 368 p.
19. Killingsworth M.A. Experienced well-being rises with income, even above $75,000 per year. Proceedings of the national academy of sciences of the United States of America, 2021, Vol. 118, № 4, Art. e2016976118. DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2016976118. EDN: JWWWNR.
20. Killingsworth M.A., Kahneman D., Mellers B. Income and emotional well-being: a conflict resolved. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA, 2023, Vol. 120, № 10, Art. e2208661120. DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2208661120. EDN: FXTQCE.
21. Ларин А., Филясов С. Парадокс Истерлина и адаптация в России. Экономический журнал ВШЭ, 2018, Т. 22, № 1, С. 59−83. DOI: 10.17323/1813-8691-2018-22-1-59-83. EDN: YVIRCN.
22. Scheibehenne B., Greifeneder R., Todd P.M. Can there ever be too many options? A meta-analytic review of choice overload. Journal of Consumer Research, 2010, Vol. 37, № 3, P. 409–425. DOI: 10.1086/651235.
23. Патнэм Р. Чтобы демократия сработала: гражданские традиции в современной Италии. М.: Ad Marginem, 1996. 287 с.
24. Putnam R.D. Bowling alone: the collapse and revival of American community. New York: Simon & Schuster, 2000. 544 p.
25. Jebb A.T., Tay L., Diener E., Oishi S. Happiness, income satiation and turning points around the world. Nature Human Behaviour, 2018, Vol. 2, P. 33–38. DOI: 10.1038/s41562-017-0277-0.
26. Buttrick N., Oishi S. Money and happiness: a consideration of history and psychological mechanisms. Proceedings of the national academy of sciences of the United States of America, 2023, Vol. 120, № 13, Art. e2301952120. DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2301952120. EDN: WSSCMX.
27. Дэвис У. Индустрия счастья. Как Big Data и новые технологии помогают добавить эмоцию в товары и услуги. М.: Эксмо, 2017. 320 с.
28. Bartels M., Boomsma D.I. Born to be happy? The etiology of subjective well-being. Behavior Genetics, 2009, Vol. 39, № 6, P. 605–615. DOI: 10.1007/s10519-009-9294-3. EDN: YQQPPI.
29. Luthans F., Youssef C.M., Avolio B.J. Psychological capital: developing the human competitive edge. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2007. 256 p.
30. Lyubomirsky S., King L., Diener E. The benefits of frequent positive affect: does happiness lead to success? Psychological Bulletin, 2005, Vol. 131, № 6, P. 803–855. DOI: 10.1037/0033-2909.131.6.803.
31. Lim H.C. Post-materialism and democracy in East Asia: a critical reassessment. Asian Journal of Political Science, 2012, Vol. 20, № 2, P. 135–153. DOI: 10.1080/02185377.2012.710222.
32. Case A., Deaton A. Deaths of despair and the future of capitalism. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 2020. 312 p.
33. Layard R., Clark A.E. Thrive: the power of evidence-based psychological therapies. London: Allen Lane, 2014. 384 p.
34. Layard R. Mental health: the new frontier for labour economics. IZA Journal of Labor Policy, 2013, Vol. 2, № 1, Art. 2. DOI: 10.1186/2193-9004-2-2.
35. Чурилова Э.Ю. К вопросу о достоверности международных индексов процветания, счастья и человеческого развития. Креативная экономика, 2024, Т. 18, № 9, С. 2507−2530. DOI: https://doi.org/10.18334/ce.18.9.121645. EDN: BPGVLC.
36. Twenge J.M. iGen: why today's super-connected kids are growing up less rebellious, more tolerant, less happy –and completely unprepared for adulthood. New York: Atria Books, 2017. 352 p.
37. Clayton S. Climate anxiety: psychological responses to climate change. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 2020, Vol. 74, Art. 102263. DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2020.102263. EDN: ZOPFCR.
REFERENCES
1. Stiglitz D.Yu., Sen A., Fitoussi J.-P. Mispricing our lives: why GDP doesn’t make sense? Report of the Commission on the Measurement of Economic Performance and Social Progress. Moscow, Gaidar Institute Publ. House, 2016. 216 p. (In Russ.)
2. Easterlin R.A. Happiness and economic growth – the evidence. Global Handbook of Quality of Life. International Handbooks of Quality-of-Life. Eds. W. Glatzer, L. Camfield, V. Møller, M. Rojas. Dordrecht, Springer, 2015. pp. 283–299. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-017-9178-6_12.
3. De Neve J.-E., Oswald A.J. Estimating the influence of life satisfaction and positive affect on later income using sibling fixed effects. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA, 2012, vol. 109, no. 49, pp. 19953–19959.
4. Kahneman D., Deaton A. High income improves evaluation of life but not emotional well-being. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA, 2010, vol. 107, no. 38, pp. 16489–16493. DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1011492107.
5. Frey B.S., Stutzer A. Happiness and economics: how the economy and institutions affect human well-being. Princeton, Princeton University Press, 2002. 220 p.
6. Inglehart R., Foa R., Peterson C., Welzel C. Development, freedom, and rising happiness: a global perspective
1981–2006. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 2008, vol. 3, no. 4, pp. 264–285.
7. Stevenson B., Wolfers J. Subjective well-being and income: is there any evidence of satiation? American Economic Review, 2013, vol. 103, no. 3, pp. 598–604. DOI: 10.1257/aer.103.3.598.
8. Wilkinson R., Pickett K. The spirit level: why more equal societies almost always do better. London, Allen Lane, 2009. 352 p.
9. Graham C. Happiness for all?: unequal hopes and lives in pursuit of the American dream. Princeton, Princeton University Press, 2017. 192 p.
10. Oishi S., Kesebir S. Income inequality explains why economic growth does not always translate to an increase in happiness. Psychological Science, 2015, vol. 26, no. 10, pp. 1630–1638. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0956797615596713.
11. Clark A.E., Flèche S., Layard R., Powdthavee N., Ward G. The origins of happiness: the science of well-being over the life course. Princeton, Princeton University Press, 2018. 336 p.
12. World Happiness Report 2024. Eds. J.F. Helliwell, R. Layard, J.D. Sachs, J.-E. De Neve, L.B. Aknin, S. Wang. Oxford, Wellbeing Research Centre, University of Oxford, 2024. 154 p. Available at: https://worldhappiness.report/ed/2024/ (accessed 10 March 2024).
13. How's Life? 2020. Measuring Well-being. Paris, OECD Publ., 2020. 247 p. DOI: 10.1787/9870c393-en. Available at: https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/how-s-life/volume-/issue-_9870c393-en.html (accessed 10 March 2026).
14. World Development Report 2021: data for better lives. Washington, DC, World Bank, 2021. 326 p. DOI: 10.1596/978-1-4648-1600-0.
15. World Health Organization. World Mental Health Report: Transforming Mental Health for All: Executive Summary. Geneva, WHO, 2022. 15 p. Available at: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240050860 (accessed 10 March 2026).
16. Korosteleva V.V. The evolution of happiness concepts: from an abstract philosophical category to a new paradigm of economic development. Journal of Economics, Entrepreneurship and Law, 2025, vol. 15, no. 10, pp. 7061–7080. (In Russ.) DOI: https://doi.org/10.18334/epp.15.10.123967. EDN: MOMQPK.
17. Ryff C.D. Happiness is everything, or is it? Explorations on the meaning of psychological well-being. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 1989, vol. 57, no. 6, pp. 1069–1081. DOI: 10.1037/0022-3514.57.6.1069. EDN: HIUWTD.
18. Seligman M.E.P. Flourish: a visionary new understanding of happiness and well-being. New York, Free Press, 2011. 368 p.
19. Killingsworth M.A. Experienced well-being rises with income, even above $75000 per year. Proceedings of the national academy of sciences of the United States of America, 2021, vol. 118, no. 4, Art. e2016976118. DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2016976118. EDN: JWWWNR.
20. Killingsworth M.A., Kahneman D., Mellers B. Income and emotional well-being: a conflict resolved. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA, 2023, vol. 120, no. 10, Art. e2208661120. DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2208661120. EDN: FXTQCE.
21. Larin A., Filyasov S. Adaptation and the easterlin paradox in Russia. Higher School of Economics Economic Journal, 2018, vol. 22, no. 1, pp. 59–83. (In Russ.) DOI: 10.17323/1813-8691-2018-22-1-59-83. EDN: YVIRCN.
22. Scheibehenne B., Greifeneder R., Todd P.M. Can there ever be too many options? A meta-analytic review of choice overload. Journal of Consumer Research, 2010, vol. 37, no. 3, pp. 409–425. DOI: 10.1086/651235.
23. Putnam R. Making democracy work: civic traditions in modern Italy. Moscow, Ad Marginem, 1996. 287 p. (In Russ.)
24. Putnam R.D. Bowling alone: the collapse and revival of American community. New York, Simon & Schuster, 2000. 544 p.
25. Jebb A.T., Tay L., Diener E., Oishi S. Happiness, income satiation and turning points around the world. Nature Human Behaviour, 2018, vol. 2, pp. 33–38. DOI: 10.1038/s41562-017-0277-0.
26. Buttrick N., Oishi S. Money and happiness: a consideration of history and psychological mechanisms. Proceedings of the national academy of sciences of the United States of America, 2023, vol. 120, no. 13, Art. e2301952120. DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2301952120. EDN: WSSCMX.
27. Davies W. The happiness industry: how the government and big business sold us well-being. Moscow, Eksmo Publ., 2017. 320 p. (In Russ.)
28. Bartels M., Boomsma D.I. Born to be happy? The etiology of subjective well-being. Behavior Genetics, 2009, vol. 39, no. 6, pp. 605–615. DOI: 10.1007/s10519-009-9294-3. EDN: YQQPPI.
29. Luthans F., Youssef C.M., Avolio B.J. Psychological capital: developing the human competitive edge. Oxford, Oxford University Press, 2007. 256 p.
30. Lyubomirsky S., King L., Diener E. The benefits of frequent positive affect: does happiness lead to success? Psychological Bulletin, 2005, vol. 131, no. 6, pp. 803–855. DOI: 10.1037/0033-2909.131.6.803.
31. Lim H.C. Post-materialism and democracy in East Asia: a critical reassessment. Asian Journal of Political Science, 2012, vol. 20, no. 2, pp. 135–153. DOI: 10.1080/02185377.2012.710222.
32. Case A., Deaton A. Deaths of despair and the future of capitalism. Princeton, Princeton University Press, 2020. 312 p.
33. Layard R., Clark A.E. Thrive: the power of evidence-based psychological therapies. London, Allen Lane, 2014. 384 p.
34. Layard R. Mental health: the new frontier for labour economics. IZA Journal of Labor Policy, 2013, vol. 2, no. 1, Art. 2. DOI: 10.1186/2193-9004-2-2.
35. Churilova E.Y. Reliability of international indices of prosperity, happiness and human development. Creative Economy, 2024, vol. 18, no. 9, pp. 2507–2530. (In Russ.) DOI: https://doi.org/10.18334/ce.18.9.121645. EDN: BPGVLC.
36. Twenge J.M. iGen: why today's super-connected kids are growing up less rebellious, more tolerant, less happy — and completely unprepared for adulthood. New York, Atria Books, 2017. 352 p.
37. Clayton S. Climate anxiety: psychological responses to climate change. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 2020, vol. 74, Art. 102263. DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2020.102263. EDN: ZOPFCR.
