Gender Differences In Life Satisfaction Research Articles

A comparative study of life satisfaction and psychological stress levels among male and female allied health college students

Gender differences in psychological disorders have distinct gender profiles, with males more susceptible to aggressive behavior, hypertension, and substance abuse and females more prone to depression and anxiety. Likewise, stress responses among both genders vary physiologically and psychologically, which could lead to complications in many ways. Therefore, this study aimed to determine gender differences in life satisfaction and psychological stress levels among allied health college students. Using a purposive sampling technique, a comparative cross-sectional study recruited 190 male and 190 female students. The self-administered questionnaire included questions related to sociodemographics and two validated scales, the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) and the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS). Descriptive statistics were calculated for the study variables, and the students' locality was compared by gender using the chi-square test. Moreover, other sociodemographics, PSS, and SWLS scores were compared by gender using the Mann‒Whitney U test, and the chi-square test was used to determine gender differences in the outcomes of SWLS. The study results showed that the PSS and SWLS scores were higher among female students than their male counterparts, which were statistically significant (p < 0.05). Furthermore, female students were more satisfied with their life than male students, which was also statistically significant (p < 0.05). Our study highlights that female first-year allied health students are more likely to encounter psychological stress, despite being more satisfied with their lives than male students. Therefore, establishing a student support committee within the allied health faculty or university is recommended to provide counseling and guidance in healthy ways to cope with psychological stress for both male and female students.

Stable or changing well-being? Daily hassles and life satisfaction of Czech adolescents over the last three decades.

While the assumption that the sociopolitical and economic situation affects adolescents’ well-being, encompassing life satisfaction and a positive sense of self, is plausible, few studies have confirmed such macrosocial influences. The case of the Czech Republic offers an example of a society transitioning from totalitarian government (from 1989) to western democracy. Our study provides statistical description of Czech adolescents’ well-being over the past 30 years in association with the subjective perception of everyday problems. These daily hassles represent experiences and conditions of daily living that have been appraised as salient and harmful or threatening to adolescents’ well-being. We analyzed four samples of adolescents aged 14–17 years surveyed at four time points over the last three decades—1992, 2001, 2011, and 2019, total N = 4,005 (1992: 255, 2001: 306, 2011: 363, 2019: 3081; 54.6% females). The results show that life satisfaction, self-esteem, and self-reported daily hassles changed only marginally from 1992 to 2019 with small differences related to the post-revolution 1992 cohort. Adolescents reported increasing problems in school, relationships with parents, sports, and leisure time over the study period. A model linking daily hassles and self-esteem to life satisfaction across four cohorts showed that daily hassles strongly predicted life satisfaction except in the post-revolution cohort of 1992 when life satisfaction was also the lowest. The effect was slightly higher in females. Across the cohorts, gender differences in life satisfaction changed from males being more satisfied in 1992 to females being more satisfaction in 2019. Limitations stemming from sampling differences across cohorts are discussed.

Life Satisfaction and Well-Being at the Intersections of Caste and Gender in India

Psychological research has a paucity of studies on caste and well-being. Existing literature on caste has extensively focused on pathological conditions in rural areas. In contrast, individuals who experience vulnerabilities in urban areas at the intersections of caste and gender identities are still underrepresented in the research literature on the psychology of well-being. The present study recognises this gap in research and explores the interaction of caste and gender on life satisfaction and well-being in urban areas. On administering the Satisfaction with Life Scale and Mental Health Continuum-short form to a sample of 465 young adults, the results revealed significant caste differences in both life satisfaction and well-being. The findings highlight that general caste individuals have higher life satisfaction and well-being than scheduled caste individuals. The findings also indicate significant gender differences in life satisfaction, with women having higher life satisfaction than men across caste groups. Results revealed no interaction effect between caste and gender. Consistent with earlier studies, the results on caste suggest that despite its discourses of diminishing importance, especially in urban areas, caste does play a significant role in an individual’s well-being and life satisfaction. Hence, the findings have implications for policy-making, education, and training to understand caste-based experiences better.

Gender Differences in Life Satisfaction: The Moderation Role of Social Support among Older Persons

Introduction: Life satisfaction among older persons is one significant component of quality of life. However,differences related to gender and moderation role of social support might affect life satisfaction. The purposeof this study was to examine the moderation effect of perceived social support on the relationship betweengender and life satisfaction among older persons.Method: A predictive-exploratory approach was used. Data collected from 966 persons at age of 60 yearsor older using a structured interview format.Results: In general, older persons had moderate to a high level of life satisfaction and perceived socialsupport. Perceived social support had a significant moderation effect on the relationship between gender andlife satisfaction (F 7,913= 52.37, p<.001; R2= .152).Conclusion: Life satisfaction among older persons is influenced by social support indicating importance ofcreating and enhancing the supportive system available to older persons.

The relationship between gender and life satisfaction: analysis across demographic groups and global regions.

This study sought to examine gender differences in life satisfaction globally and across demographic groups. The grouping variables included age, global region, marital status, employment status, education, and income. A sample of 1,801,417 participants across 166 countries was drawn from the Gallup World Poll. Given the hierarchical nature of the data, multi-level modeling was used for data analysis. Gender differences in life satisfaction were found to be significant yet small. Women reported higher levels of life satisfaction than men across all income, education, and employment groups. The direction of gender differences in life satisfaction was inconsistent across age and regional groups. Men scored higher than women only over the age of about 63, and in sub-Saharan Africa. Despite the less favorable objective conditions for women globally, women were found to be more satisfied with their lives than men across most of the groups we studied. It is hoped that the present results can be used to inform research and practice aiming to identify vulnerable female groups and to optimize the well-being of women globally.

Gender Differences in Life Satisfaction Among Children and Adolescents: A Meta-analysis

Gender differences in life satisfaction (LS) have been studied for a long time, and the first meta-analysis on this issue was conducted almost 40 years ago. Since then, the social status of females has changed considerably across different nations and cultures. The individual studies in this area continued to show inconsistent results concerning gender group differences in their respective perception of LS. In this study, 46 empirical studies from 1980 to 2017 (with a cumulated total N = 11,772) were meta-analyzed to examine potential gender differences in LS among children and adolescents, and to explore if some study features could be moderators that could account for the observed inconsistencies in the findings across studies. The findings revealed that LS remains invariant across gender groups, but with a slight difference in favor of male children and adolescents. Our results further suggested that four study features were shown to contribute to the variations of the reported gender difference in LS across individual studies: geographical region, population type, age, and domain specific LS measurements. Such different features across the individual studies could have led to the observed inconsistency of the findings. Understanding how gender differences in LS vary by these study features could allow us to consider more targeted support to increase LS of children and adolescents in different situations.

Is Female Entrepreneurship Only Empowering for Single Women? Evidence from France and Germany

Entrepreneurship has been suggested as an alternative career model for women to gain economic empowerment while maintaining caring obligations. In this study, we investigate how gender and living situation affect entrepreneurs’ engagement in their business, home, well-being and business success in both France and Germany. Data from the European Social Survey were used, which included 470 French and 622 German self-employed people. For the French, women reported more working hours when living alone but there were no gender differences for the other living situations. For the Germans, there were no gender differences when the self-employed person lived alone; for the other living situations, men reported more working hours. Women reported working more household hours than men in both countries. There were no gender differences in life satisfaction for German self-employed people regardless of living situation; for the French, gender differences varied by living situation. Men reported more business success than women in both countries. Results suggest that self-employed people in Germany follow a traditional breadwinner model, whereas in France, self-employed women do more paid and unpaid work at the same time. In sum, entrepreneurship may only be empowering for self-employed women living alone.

The determinants of life satisfaction in Serbia: Findings from the Gallup World Poll

Research on life satisfaction in non-Western countries has grown somewhat in recent years, but still lags far behind that of developed countries. The present study was aimed at investigating determinants of life satisfaction in Serbia, a developing country that has experienced a number of difficulties over the past three decades. A large, representative Serbian sample (a total of 11,618 participants; 54.6% females, M age = 47.02) from the Gallup World Poll was used. The results showed substantial gender differences in life satisfaction only among the oldest old (aged 81-99), with elderly women reporting substantially lower life satisfaction than elderly men (Cohen’s d = 0.38). Life satisfaction showed a steady, progressive decline among women, whereas men’s life satisfaction declined until approximately 50 years of age, and then remained relatively stable. The relationship between income and life satisfaction was positive, but much stronger at lower income levels. Robust predictors of life satisfaction in both men and women and across age groups were satisfaction with standard of living and household income, negative affect, and social support.

Is Longer Always Better? A Comparison of the Validity of Single-item Versus Multiple-item Measures of Life Satisfaction

The aim of this research was to examine the validity of a single-item life satisfaction scale by comparing it with the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). Three studies were conducted on a total of six samples of Serbian undergraduate students, adults, and elderly (total N = 2822). We examined: 1) correlations between a single-item measure of life satisfaction and the SWLS; 2) convergent and criterion-related validity of the two measures; 3) age and gender differences in life satisfaction as measured with the two measures; 4) test-retest reliability of the two measures. The SWLS and the single-item measure were strongly correlated across six samples (mean r = .70). The validity of the two scales was supported, and they generally yielded similar correlations with other constructs. The 10-month test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient) was .56 for the SWLS, and .43 for the single-item scale. No consistent gender differences were observed in life satisfaction as measured by both scales among students and adults, but men reported substantially higher life satisfaction than women on SWLS among the elderly. We found that age differences in life satisfaction can depend on the scale used. The present findings support the use of single-item scales of life satisfaction, but also highlight a need for more research beyond validity and reliability of single-item life satisfaction measures.

The Effect of Boys’ and Girls’ School Adjustment on Life Satisfaction in Korea

Objectives: To determine gender differences in life satisfaction and to examine the longitudinal and cross-sectional associations between school adjustment and life satisfaction in Korea. Methods/Statistical Analysis: The participants were 2,110 elementary school students who were assessedin the first and fifth years, respectively. Data were collected from the KCYPS panel survey of 1st graders cohort in 2010 and 2014. Several t-tests, Pearson correlations, and multiple regressions were used.Findings: Results indicate that girls are better adjusted to school life than boys; however, boys are more satisfied with life than girls. Children’s school adjustment in the 1st and 5th grade was positively associated with life satisfaction in 5th grade.Improvements/Applications: This study confirmed the longitudinal and cross-sectional importance of school adjustment in children’s life satisfaction.

Can Life Satisfaction Independently Predict Suicidal Ideation of Male And Female?

The aim of the research was to determine the effect of life satisfaction on suicidal ideation for both male and female undergraduate students. Data were collected from 120 students (60 male and 60 female) who were purposively chosen from University of Chittagong of Bangladesh. To measure the constructs, Bangla version of life satisfaction and suicidal ideation scales were used in the present study. Results revealed that there were no significant gender differences in life satisfaction and suicidal ideation. But the participants who had bitter experiences in romantic relationship significantly scored higher on suicidal ideation than who had not (t = 2.76, p < .01). There was found a significant negative correlation coefficient between life satisfaction and suicidal ideation (r = -.316, p < .01). A simple regression analysis confirmed that life satisfaction was a strong predictor (β = -.466, p < .001) and explained 21% variation of suicidal ideation for female students. Whereas life satisfaction did not significantly predict suicidal ideation of male students (β = -1.66, p > .05).

Gender differences in life satisfaction and spiritual health among the junior immigrant and local Hong Kong secondary students

This article examines differences in life satisfaction and spiritual health (SH) between male and female and between immigrant and local Chinese junior secondary students in Hong Kong. Both the Multi-Dimensional Students’ Life Satisfaction Scale (MSLSS) and Spiritual Health and Life Orientation Measure (SHALOM) were employed. The sample comprised 6917 junior secondary students, aged 12–15. Results indicate that gender differences exist in specific domain scores of MSLSS and SHALOM. Overall, girls reported higher levels of life satisfaction and SH than boys. Segmented and differentiated interaction effects were identified. Greater interaction effects with regard to religious affiliation were noted among SA students compared to Hong Kong Chinese and CIS. Religious Chinese immigrant boys scored higher on their personal–communal combined life satisfaction but lower on their transcendental well-being compared to their Hong Kong counterparts. Significant parental education and family income moderation effects were only observed on the SH of local Chinese girls.

How Do Educational Attainment and Occupational and Wage-Earner Statuses Affect Life Satisfaction? A Gender Perspective Study

The main objective of this paper is to analyze the impact of education on life satisfaction once indirect effects through income, health, participation in the workforce or professional status are controlled for. The focus is placed on gender differences, thus studying whether the effects of education on life satisfaction differ for women and men and whether occupational variables and the individual’s role in the household may mediate this relationship. Among the results, we find that gender differences in life satisfaction tend to disappear when account is taken of the individuals’ role as primary wage earner in the household. Regarding education, our results suggest that its impact on satisfaction with life differs for women and men: both direct and indirect effects of education are found for women whereas no direct effects of education appear in the case of men, but only indirect effects through enhanced job opportunities and professional status.

Gender Differences in Marital and Life Satisfaction among Chinese Malaysians

This study examined gender differences in marital and life satisfaction in a convenience sample of 425 Chinese Malaysian men (41%) and women (59%). Consistent with findings in many Western cultures, gender role theory predictions were supported in this study. While controlling for age and education, MANCOVA tests revealed men reporting higher levels of marital satisfaction than women, whereas gender differences in life satisfaction were not found. Hierarchical regression analyses showed marital satisfaction significantly predicted life satisfaction for both men and women, but the influence was greater for women. Results are discussed with reference to the Chinese Malaysian cultural context.

301 Gender differences in life satisfaction of adolescent and adult patients with cystic fibrosis

301 Gender differences in life satisfaction of adolescent and adult patients with cystic fibrosis

Life Satisfaction Among Israeli Youth in Residential Treatment Care

This study is a preliminary examination of life satisfaction among 103 children in one residential treatment care (RTC) setting in Israel. Life satisfaction was examined using the Multidimensional Students Life Satisfaction Scale (MSLSS). Gender differences in life satisfaction and correlations with background and in-care variables were examined. The study revealed that girls were more satisfied with RTC-specific domains than boys and that the residential child-care worker-child relationship plays a major role in the child's life satisfaction. Findings provided some support for the utility of the MSLSS to describe RTC children and youth's life satisfaction across a number of important life domains. Ongoing administration of such scales has the potential to monitor RTC chil dren's life satisfaction and its correlates throughout their stay in care.

Gender differences in self-concept and psychological well-being in old age: a meta-analysis.

Because of women's higher risk of being widowed, having health problems, and needing care, one might expect them to have a more negative self-concept and lower subjective well-being (SWB). However, women may also have greater access to sources of SWB (e.g., relations to adult children) and may engage in processes to protect the self (e.g., lowered aspirations). Meta-analysis was used to synthesize findings from 300 empirical studies on gender differences in life satisfaction, happiness, self-esteem, loneliness, subjective health, and subjective age in late adulthood. Older women reported significantly lower SWB and less positive self-concept than men on all measures, except subjective age, although gender accounted for less than 1% of the variance in well-being and self-concept. Smaller gender differences in SWB were found in younger than in older groups. Statistically controlling for gender differences in widowhood, health, and socioeconomic status decreased gender differences in SWB. Cohort differences in SWB are reported as well.

Life satisfaction in midlife childless and empty-nest men and women

The primary purpose of this study was to contrast the life satisfaction of midlife empty-nest and childless individuals. Seventy-two men and women reported on their satisfaction with 11 areas of life as well as with regard to children. Empty-nest individuals were more satisfied than childless persons with regard to their decisions regarding children; however, the childless individuals were not unhappy with their decisions. Empty-nest individuals were also more positive than childless individuals about contact with children. There were no differences between the two groups with regard to areas of life satisfaction not related to children; nor were there significant gender differences in life satisfaction. The results were discussed in relation to both theory and data concerning midlife satisfaction and adjustment.