The Set Point Theory of Well-Being Has Serious Flaws: On the Eve of a Scientific Revolution?
Social Indicators ResearchPublished 5 February 2010
Bruce Headey
Citations171
SJR quartileQ1
SJR score0.93
SNIP1.48
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Abstract
Set-point theory, Scientific paradigm, Subjective well-being, Stability and change,
Keywords
Psychology
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