The impact of public policies on people’s (un)happiness: application of the multidimensional Index of happiness (MIH)

This study examines the relationship between public policies and multidimensional happiness using the Multidimensional Index of Happiness (MIH), which incorporates ethical, affective, and welfare system dimensions for a comprehensive understanding of well-being. The study focuses on the impact of public policies during the COVID-19 pandemic, an unique context posing significant challenges to well-being. During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, a cross-sectional descriptive online survey was administered to a representative sample of Spanish adults. The MIH was used to evaluate happiness, with sociodemographic variables, public policy impact, and self-perceived health as independent variables. Data from the European Social Survey provided pre-pandemic comparisons. Correlations and multivariate analyses were performed. The findings indicate that satisfaction with public policies directly influenced the MIH and its components, including emotional states, political and welfare system evaluation, and altruism. This study offers insights for policymakers to enhance citizen well-being.