Job satisfaction and life satisfaction revisited: A longitudinal test of an integrated model

Abstract

Research indicates that job satisfaction is significantly related to life satisfaction. However, previous studies have not included variables that may confound the relationship. Furthermore, the vast majority of studies have relied on cross-sectional data. I tested a comprehensive model that examined the relationship between job and life satisfaction and a broad personality construct called ‘core self-evaluations’, as well as nonwork satisfaction and environmental variables, using a nationally representative (US), longitudinal data set. Results indicated that core self-evaluations was significantly related to both job satisfaction and life satisfaction over time, and that the relationship between job satisfaction and life satisfaction was not significant after taking into account the effects of core self-evaluations and nonwork satisfaction. Implications for theory and practice are discussed.