Would you like to be happier? Become a rich, married, religious, Republican, white person from the Sunbelt, says this Pew research report. It doesn't matter if you have kids or pets — they make no difference to your happiness level. (I don't buy that last part. My kids are an excellent source of amusement, especially when they fight with each other.)
Several of them stand out: Married people are happier than unmarrieds. People who worship frequently are happier than those who don't. Republicans are happier than Democrats. Rich people are happier than poor people. Whites and Hispanics are happier than blacks. Sunbelt residents are happier than those who live in the rest of the country.
We also found some interesting non-correlations. People who have children are no happier than those who don't, after controlling for marital status. Retirees are no happier than workers. Pet owners are no happier than those without pets.
Link (Thanks, Michelle!)
