This report analyses whether creative occupations are associated with higher levels of wellbeing
Nesta Working Paper 14/09
Issued: April 2015
JEL Classification: I31, J01, 82, J81,J28, C01, C20
Keywords: Wellbeing, creativity, labour, creative economy, future of work, happiness, Annual Population Survey.
Abstract
This report statistically analyses whether creative occupations are associated with higher levels of subjective wellbeing, once other factors that affect wellbeing are controlled for. Four different measures of subjective wellbeing (life satisfaction, worthwhileness, happiness and anxiety) from the UK’s Annual Population Survey are analysed.
The research finds that most creative occupations have higher than average levels of life satisfaction, worthwhileness and happiness than employment in general, although most creative occupations also have higher average levels of anxiety. Once other factors which affect wellbeing are controlled for, some, but not all, creative occupations are found to be associated with higher levels of wellbeing.
Authors
Daniel Fujiwara, Paul Dolan, Ricky Lawton
