A Current Look at the Job Satisfaction/Life Satisfaction Relationship: Review and Future Considerations

Abstract

We review the literature on the relationship between job satisfaction and life satisfaction on its theoretical, empirical, and methodological bases. Our review indicates that recent theoretical work is too often characterized by repeatedly confirming the spillover hypothesis to the exclusion of advancing further theoretical developments. The greater sophistication of statistical analyses is cited as one of the few recent methodological advances. Our review focuses on theoretical and methodological developments needed in future research. The areas of multiple links between job and life satisfactions, life stages, and satisfaction as a disposition are described as potential areas for theoretical advances. Methodologically, we suggest improvements by focusing attention on construct validity and the use of longitudinal designs.