Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/162739 
Year of Publication: 
2015
Series/Report no.: 
CREDIT Research Paper No. 15/08
Publisher: 
The University of Nottingham, Centre for Research in Economic Development and International Trade (CREDIT), Nottingham
Abstract: 
We investigate adaptation of subjective well-being using a randomised controlled trial. We find that providing medical equipment to a random sample of Ugandan adults with lower limb disabilities has a positive effect on their physical health, using both objective and self-reported measures. Treated patients experience a significant improvement in life satisfaction initially, but the effect is not prolonged. After one year, life satisfaction returns to the pre-treatment level. This evidence of adaptation is supported by observations of changes in reference levels and is robust to alternative estimation methods including instrumental variable estimation and intention-to-treat analysis.
Subjects: 
happiness
adaptation
health
JEL: 
I31
O15
Document Type: 
Working Paper

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