IQ and the wellbeing of nations

Salahodjaev, Raufhon (2015): IQ and the wellbeing of nations.

Abstract

Given the increasing evidence between intelligence and socio-economic outcomes, investigating its effect on wellbeing is crucial. This paper aims to explore the influence of intelligence on individual life satisfaction using data from World Values Survey (WVS). We find evidence that higher-IQ nations are associated with higher levels of individual life satisfaction. In particular, the positive effect of intelligence is stronger in less developed nations. These findings suggest that investing in cognitive skills is socially advantageous.

• Item Type: MPRA Paper
• Language: English
• Keywords: wellbeing; life satisfaction; intelligence; IQ; cross-country.
• Subjects: I - Health, Education, and Welfare > I3 - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty

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