Higher education's well-being boost fades in wealthier nations

In 36 European nations, higher education boosts happiness, but in wealthier countries, this advantage fades.

Why it matters

  • Education's happiness benefits vary by national wealth; in wealthy nations, less educated may be relatively happier.

By the numbers

  • Study of 36 European nations finds education's well-being boost diminishes in wealthier countries.

The big picture

  • National wealth alters education's impact on happiness, with traditional drivers possibly sufficing for less educated in affluent nations.

What they're saying

  • Critics note education's indirect benefits (jobs, health) and question study's practical relevance without these factors.

Caveats

  • Observational study; causality not established. Findings based on European data; may not generalize globally.