Factors influencing adult quality of life: Findings from a nationally representative sample in the UK

Abstract

ObjectivesTo understand the effects of personality traits on self-rated quality of life. DesignThis was the exploration of a large longitudinal data base. MethodsThis study explored a longitudinal data set of over 5000 adults examining the effects of childhood cognitive ability (measured at age 11), parental social class (measured at birth), personality, educational qualifications and current occupational attainment (all measured at age 50) on adult quality of life (measured at age 50). ResultsCorrelational analysis showed childhood cognitive ability, parental social class, education and occupation, and personality traits (emotional stability, extraversion, conscientiousness) were all significantly associated with adult quality of life. The strongest correlates of adult quality of life were personality traits, followed by current occupational levels and educational qualifications, childhood ability, and parents’ social class. Structural equation modelling showed parental social class had modest but significant direct influence in adult levels of quality of life. Personality traits, educational qualifications and occupational attainment were also the direct predictors of adult quality of life, and the effect of childhood cognitive ability on adult quality of life was mainly through these variables. The implications for policy with respect to improving population level self-rated quality of life are discussed.