Lost Causes

Panel studies facilitate the search for causal direction by re-interviewing respondents over time. In this chapter, the 2006–2008 GSS panel is highlighted. The multivariate analyses favor the conclusion that earlier marriage favors later happiness rather than previous happiness level leading to later marriage. Modeling the causal direction of the network socializing—happiness correlation is hampered by very little change in 2006–2008 socializing. However, 2006 socializing is significantly positively associated with 2008 happiness for older and married Americans.