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Journal of Public Health

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Open Access 01-07-2022 | Original Article

Closing the “happiness gap” by closing the wealth gap: the role of wealth on life satisfaction between east and west-Germans

Authors: Christoph Kasinger, Lisa Braunheim, Manfred Beutel, Elmar Brähler

Published in: Journal of Public Health | Issue 9/2023

Abstract

Background

In Germany there is a large wealth gap between East and West Germans as well as a gap in life satisfaction, with people in East Germany reporting to be less satisfied. This paper intends to shed light on the role of the different levels of wealth and their association with life satisfaction. On a wider scale, this paper examines psychological consequences of wealth inequality between large societal groups.

Method

Longitudinal data from the years 2007, 2012, and 2017 of the German Socio-Economic Panel (GSOEP) with a sample size of N = 5066 (N_female = 2522, N_west = 3756, m_age2007 = 50.46) was used. To test our hypothesis, multiple linear regression models as well as a fixed-effects regression model were run. Furthermore, to examine the development of wealth distribution between different birth cohorts in East and West Germany a latent growth curve model was calculated.

Results

Net-worth was found to be a highly significant predictor for life satisfaction. This holds true for variance between respondents as well as for individual change over time within respondents. Additionally, the results show that the wealth gap between East and West Germans in total as well as within most of the birth cohorts increased.

Conclusion

Due to their socialistic history and the related obstacles in acquiring wealth as well as the unbalanced distribution of GDR-assets after the reunification, East Germans are significantly less wealthy than West Germans. This has consequences on the mental well-being and the life satisfaction of East Germans.

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Title: Closing the “happiness gap” by closing the wealth gap: the role of wealth on life satisfaction between east and west-Germans
Authors: Christoph Kasinger
Lisa Braunheim
Manfred Beutel
Elmar Brähler
Publication date: 01-07-2022
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Journal of Public Health / Issue 9/2023
Print ISSN: 2198-1833
Electronic ISSN: 1613-2238
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10389-022-01716-0

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Closing the “happiness gap” by closing the wealth gap: the role of wealth on life satisfaction between east and west-Germans

Abstract

Background

Method

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Method

Results

Conclusion

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