The determinants of national and local political factors on the level of happiness: The case of the Western Mediterranean region

This study examines how national and local political factors impact individuals' happiness levels. While the effect of individual psychological factors on happiness is well recognised, recent findings increasingly suggest that environmental factors also play a significant role. As Ruut Veenhoven points out, happiness is related to elements such as prosperity, quality of life, environmental conditions and life satisfaction. In this context, it is hypothesised that satisfaction with public policies and services, which represent the environmental dimension, may affect individuals' happiness levels. Within the scope of the research, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and regression analyses were applied to 477 pieces of valid data obtained from 490 participants in the Western Mediterranean region (Antalya, Burdur and Isparta). The findings revealed that, although local health, environmental and infrastructure services had no significant effect on happiness (p = 0.733), local governance was found to have a positive effect on happiness (B = 0.306, p < 0.001). National health and human development policies were found to negatively affect happiness (B = -0.215, p < 0.001), whereas national social security and economic welfare policies were found to positively affect happiness (B = 0.323, p < 0.001). The study's findings indicate that the effects of national and local policy factors on happiness are not confined to a single administrative level. Instead, they emerge through different policy areas and via various mechanisms and directions. In this respect, the study reveals that happiness is shaped by both individual dynamics and multi-layered political and administrative processes.