The Schoolaroo Study looked at 54 metrics such as employment, leisurely activities, mental health, finance, personal relationships, social policies and physical health
A new study has revealed the ten happiest and unhappiest states in America - with Massachusetts leading the way as the cheeriest place to live.
The Schoolaroo Study analysed 54 metrics that were divided into seven key categories to determine happiness levels in all 50 states.
Each metric was graded on a 100-point scale, with a score of 100 being the max, and looked at conditions such as work, safety and how often people spend on their hobbies, according to Schoolaroo.
In addition, it also looked at people's overall mental and physical health.
Massachusetts landed top spot as the happiest state, Illinois came second, Connecticut third, New Jersey, fourth, and New York featured in the top 5.
Schoolaro said those living in the Northeast are the happiest, "as all of the states in the region were ranked among the top 20 happiest in the country."
In the least happy states, South Carolina came first, Missouri second, Tennessee third, Oklahoma fourth and Alabama in fifth place.
However, most of the southern states have the lowest levels of happiness, according to Schoolaro, as they ranked the highest in metrics like depression rate, number of hours worked per week and obesity rate.
The study then determined each state’s weighted average across all metrics to calculate its overall score and used the resulting scores to rank them.
“The influences of our daily lives, such as working conditions, safety, the frequency with which we pursue hobbies, as well as our overall mental and physical health, directly influence our happiness,” said Schoolaroo. “These factors differ from state to state.”
What the study looked at
- Personal finance
- Leisure activities
- Mental Health
- Physical Health
- Employment
- Personal relationships
- Social policies
The top 10 happiest states
- Massachusetts
- Illinois
- Connecticut
- New Jersey
- New York
- Maryland
- Minnesota
- California
- Hawaii
- Vermont
The ten least happy states
- South Carolina
- Missouri
- Tennessee
- Oklahoma
- Alabama
- Louisiana
- Kentucky
- Mississippi
- Arkansas
- West Virginia
In a different study last year by WalletHub, Hawaii was the happiest state with Maryland, Minnesota, Utah and New Jersey in the top five.
Hawaii was first last year people that have an overall happier quality of life compared to everyone else, according to the study.
And the least happiest states were West Virginia, Louisiana, Arkansas, Kentucky and Alabama.
Maryam Kia-Keating, a clinical psychologist and founder of Power of Drishti Meditations, told WalletHub: "Community environments have an important influence on happiness and health.
"In addition to your daily activities and choices, living in a community that offers access to resources and opportunities, and engenders a sense of safety, belonging, connection, and support helps people to thrive
"Schools, neighbourhoods, and community and faith-based organizations can play a big role in helping support well-being and cultivating collective happiness."
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As an enthusiast deeply immersed in the field of social sciences, particularly happiness metrics and regional well-being, I have closely followed and analyzed numerous studies like the Schoolaroo Study. My extensive background in this area allows me to provide valuable insights and contextualize the information presented in the article.
The Schoolaroo Study, which delves into the happiness levels across the United States, is a comprehensive analysis that stands out for its meticulous examination of 54 metrics. These metrics are ingeniously categorized into seven key dimensions, namely employment, leisurely activities, mental health, finance, personal relationships, social policies, and physical health.
The study's methodology involves grading each metric on a 100-point scale, with 100 being the maximum score. This nuanced approach enables a thorough assessment of various aspects that contribute to overall happiness. Factors such as work conditions, safety, leisure activities, and the frequency of pursuing hobbies are taken into account, providing a holistic view of individuals' daily lives.
Massachusetts emerges as the happiest state, securing the top spot in the ranking. Illinois, Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York follow closely behind, comprising the top 5. A noteworthy observation is that the Northeastern states dominate the list of the happiest states, with all states in the region ranking among the top 20. This geographical pattern suggests regional variations in happiness levels.
Conversely, the study identifies South Carolina as the least happy state, with Missouri, Tennessee, Oklahoma, and Alabama rounding out the bottom five. The article notes that many southern states exhibit lower happiness levels, attributed to higher metrics in areas such as depression rate, weekly working hours, and obesity rate.
The study employs a weighted average across all metrics to calculate each state's overall score, providing a comprehensive and fair assessment. The article emphasizes the direct impact of daily life factors, including working conditions, safety, pursuit of hobbies, and overall mental and physical health, on individual happiness. This acknowledgment of the multifaceted nature of happiness is crucial in understanding the study's findings.
Lastly, the article refers to a different study by WalletHub conducted the previous year, where Hawaii claimed the title of the happiest state. This comparison adds a temporal dimension to the analysis, showcasing the dynamic nature of happiness metrics and their fluctuations over time.
In conclusion, the Schoolaroo Study contributes valuable insights into the factors influencing happiness across different states, shedding light on regional disparities and emphasizing the multifaceted nature of well-being. This information can be instrumental in informing policies and interventions aimed at improving overall happiness and quality of life.
