A Systematic Literature Review on Happiness Measurement Frameworks Determinants and Policy Implications

Authors

  • Mahesh Singh Professor, SBS-Swiss Business School, RAK Campus, Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates (UAE). Author
  • Sajad Dashti Department of Phycology, Bandargaz branch, Isalmic Azad University, Iran. Author
  • Mohammad Saeid Zahedi Translational Medicine Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran. Author
  • Atossa Madanipour Research & Technology Student Committee, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran. Author
  • Amir Shahab Shahabi Assistant Professor of Computer Engineering Department, Islamic Azad University, South Tehran Branch, Iran. Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.71426/jassh.v2.i1.pp102-113

Keywords:

Happiness index, Subjective wellbeing, Life satisfaction, Systematic review, PRISMA, Hedonic wellbeing, Eudaimonic wellbeing, Policy.

Abstract

There has been growing research into the subjective well-being (happiness) alongside Gross Domestic Product (GDP) as a result of academic and policymaker interest in looking beyond traditional economic indicators. In view of developing evidence based policies, a systematic review was carried out to explore theory of happiness, measurement frameworks employed for happiness and factors influencing happiness. All levels of peer-reviewed articles were included in the scope of this study to ensure that all literature related to measurement frameworks and determinants of happiness were reviewed. Furthermore, the review was conducted using PRISMA 2020 guidelines to assure rigorous methodology and reproducibility in the 57 peer-reviewed studies included in the analysis published between 2000-2025. With respect to the aim of the reviews, there were two primary objectives: First, the review was an attempt to delineate and critically evaluate the theoretical approaches to happiness measurement across the globe and differentiate between hedonic and eudaimonic understandings of well-being. Secondly, the review brought together empirical findings from the effects of socio-economic, psychological, and governance factors on happiness across various populations. Theoretical bases suggest that studies started with one dimensional satisfaction and progressed to integrated models which explain the psychological complexities of individuals. Issues noted with method include problematic validity of measures and cross cultural comparisons. The results from this systematic review support both hypotheses and provide useful information for developing policies focused on promoting well-being.

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Published

2026-06-29

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Vol. 2 No. 1 (2026): Volume 2, Issue 1, January - June 2026

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Review Articles

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Copyright (c) 2026 Mahesh Singh, Sajad Dashti, Mohammad Saeid Zahedi, Atossa Madanipour, Amir Shahab Shahabi (Author)

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How to Cite

[1]
M. Singh, Sajad Dashti, Mohammad Saeid Zahedi, Atossa Madanipour, and Amir Shahab Shahabi, “A Systematic Literature Review on Happiness Measurement Frameworks Determinants and Policy Implications”, Journal of Applied Social Sciences and Humanities, vol. 2, no. 1, pp. 102–113, Jun. 2026, doi: 10.71426/jassh.v2.i1.pp102-113.