Abstract
ObjectivesWe aimed to examine the associations of both objectively assessed and perceived physical and social neighborhood characteristics with happiness in European adults. In addition, we aimed to study how these associations differed among subgroups.MethodsParticipants (N = 6037) of the cross-sectional SPOTLIGHT survey reported on their level of happiness using a 5-point Likert scale, and on perceived physical and social environmental neighborhood characteristics. Objective physical environmental characteristics were assessed using a Google Street View-based neighborhood audit. Associations of 14 physical and social environmental characteristics with happiness were analyzed using multivariable multinomial regression analyses with clustered standard errors.ResultsLiving in neighborhoods with higher levels of aesthetics and more water and green space was associated with being very happy. Individuals who perceived their neighborhood to be safer, more functional and more aesthetic were more likely to be very happy. The associations of functionality and aesthetics with happiness were strongest in the Ghent region (Belgium), the Randstad (the Netherlands) and Greater London (United Kingdom). Perceived absence of air pollution was only associated with higher levels of happiness in more highly educated participants. Individuals with a larger social network, more social cohesion and who trusted their neighbors were more likely to be very happy. The association between social networks and happiness was somewhat stronger in men than in women. In general, the associations between environmental characteristics and happiness had similar directions and sizes across socio-economic and socio-demographic subgroups.ConclusionsThis European study provided evidence that both objectively assessed and perceived physical and social characteristics of the neighborhood environment are associated with the happiness of its residents.
Highlights
Happiness is one of the most important values in life [1]
Interested Parties who get access to the Participants (N = 6037) of the cross-sectional SPOTLIGHT survey reported on their level of happiness using a 5-point Likert scale, and on perceived physical and social environmental neighborhood characteristics
The associations between environmental characteristics and happiness had similar directions and sizes across socio-economic and socio-demographic subgroups. This European study provided evidence that both objectively assessed and perceived physical and social characteristics of the neighborhood environment are associated with the happiness of its residents
Summary
Happiness is one of the most important values in life [1]. Being happy is associated with healthy lifestyle behaviors and longevity [2,3,4,5,6,7]. Many studies have identified individual-level factors of happiness, such as biological, personality, lifestyle, socio-demographic and socio-economic factors [5,11,12,13,14]. Neighborhood environments have increasingly gained attention in epidemiological studies as they contain both physical and social attributes that are likely to be relevant to individual health and well-being [19,20]. This notion is underpinned by the concept of environmental human-friendliness (EHF) [17], which implies that environments may support individuals and groups in pursuing and realizing their goals, which contribute to an higher level of happiness
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