In conclusion, the present findings provide the first evidence
that the emotional advantage of higher income may lie in buffering
people against sadness rather than boosting happiness.
Our findings could enrich future research and theory on income
and well-being by underscoring the importance of considering
the association of income to emotional outcomes other than
happiness. More broadly, our research suggests the need for a
revision to the age-old question of whether money buys happiness.
Although causality cannot be inferred from correlational
data, the present findings point to the possibility that money
may be a more effective tool for reducing sadness than enhancing
happiness.