• Journal of the Korean Regional Science Association
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.19-31
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• 2019

There have been a growing number of studies that show huge discrepancies between individuals' perceptions of relative economic position and the economic position based on the reported income in the survey. If this is the case, it is expected that the impact of perceived income status on individual happiness can be different from that of objective income status based on the reported income. The aim of this study is to investigate the factors affecting the discrepancies between perception and reality with respect to relative income status, focusing on the 'Reference group theory'. This study also tries to extend existing knowledge of the relative status on the happiness level of individuals, by examining how individual's happiness can be changed by providing the accurate information about their objective income level. There are systematic biases in perceived income status. A majority of people who actually rank in the lower part of income ladder place themselves in higher positions, while a significant portion of rich individuals underestimate their actual income status. Secondly, the misperception about the income distribution is affected by a variety of individual, household characteristics and reference group income. Thirdly, providing individuals with accurate information has a considerable effect on their happiness level.

• Korean Journal of Culture and Social Issue
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.279-300
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• 2012

Many studies have demonstrated that family plays a crucial role in health and wellbeing in life. There has been little research, however, examining the relative importance of activities together with family members in middle-aged adults. The goal of this study was to examine the effect of family meal, phone conversation with family, and family leisure activities on happiness, health, and family relationship. Total 286 middle-aged adults (M=50.13) participated in this study. Dependent variables were happiness (SWB), physical and psychological illness symptoms, family satisfaction, sex satisfaction, and parenting sense of competence. This research showed that (1) frequency of meal with family was positively correlated with happiness, family relationship, and negatively physical/psychological illness symptoms; (2) high frequency of talking on the phone with family resulted in that high level of happiness, family satisfaction, sex satisfaction, and parenting sense of competence, and lower illness symptoms; (3) the more participants spent leisure time with family, the happier and the more family satisfaction they feel. Findings suggest that activities together with family members in middle-aged adults may enhance their happiness, health, and quality of family relationship. The implication for current study were discussed.