Life Satisfaction Research Articles

When Reality Meets Perception: Well-Being Effects of Objective and Subjective Person-Culture Matches in Religiosity

Previous research found that religious individuals report higher well-being when they live in a religious country—that is, when there is an objective match—or when they perceive their country as religious—that is, when there is a subjective match. Objective and subjective person-culture matches are typically considered different operationalizations of the same phenomenon. The present research, in contrast, suggests that objective and subjective matches are two conceptually distinct phenomena, each independently contributing to higher well-being: Across 24 countries ( N = 10,195), individuals tended to experience higher global, psychological, and physical well-being when both objective and subjective matches were high. Notably, only objective (but not subjective) matches were related to higher social well-being and life satisfaction, whereas only subjective matches were related to positive affect. Thus, jointly investigating objective and subjective matches is crucial to avoid incomplete or even incorrect conclusions about person-culture match effects on well-being.

Experience of Labour and Childbirth in a Sample of Portuguese Women: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background/Objectives: Childbirth is a profoundly personal experience that often does not align with expectations. The World Health Organization has established guidelines for best practises; in this sense, it is crucial to understand the childbirth experiences of Portuguese women in comparison with these guidelines. Methods: A quantitative, descriptive, correlational, and cross-sectional study was conducted to achieve this. In total, 615 women completed a sociodemographic questionnaire and the Labour and Childbirth Experience questionnaire, which comprised 39 statements based on the WHO’s recommendations. Additionally, the study utilized the Life Satisfaction Scale and gathered insights into participants’ overall perception of care during this phase. Results: The results were categorized as follows: (1) practises influencing the labour experience; (2) practises influencing the experience of vaginal birth; (3) practises affecting the experience of caesarean birth; and (4) emotional experience during labour and birth. Conclusions: Notably, the study found that practises discouraged by the WHO are still prevalent, potentially enabling obstetric violence. However, a robust and statistically significant correlation was observed between the childbirth experience and the overall perception of care.

Trauma-informed acceptance and commitment therapy with peer coaching for college students: A pilot randomized controlled trial.

The current pilot randomized controlled trial evaluated the acceptability, feasibility, and preliminary efficacy of a mental health promotion intervention for college students based on trauma-focused acceptance and commitment therapy (Harris, 2021). This hybrid intervention combined web-based modules with peer coaching in a research lab setting. Seventy-eight students were randomized to either the intervention group, "Present and Open for Values" training, or an active control group, "Crash Course" training. Psychological distress and life satisfaction levels were assessed at baseline, postintervention, and 3 months postintervention. Open-ended feedback, rating scales, and completion rates suggested that both conditions were well-received and feasible. Longitudinal mixed-effects regression models with subject-specific intercepts were used to examine intervention effects. Participants in the Present and Open for Values condition reported significantly greater reductions in psychological distress levels compared to the control group, both at the end of the intervention and 3-month follow-up. Additionally, they reported significantly greater improvements in life satisfaction levels at these same intervals compared to baseline measurements. No significant changes in these outcomes were observed for the control condition. These findings suggest that the Present and Open for Values intervention with peer coaching is a promising approach for addressing mental health issues among college students, with the potential to be scaled up for broader implementation. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Leveraging Network Insights into Positive Emotions and Resilience for Better Life Satisfaction

Introduction/Objective Within a network analysis framework, this study explored the relationships between positive emotions, resilience, and life satisfaction. Positive emotions and resilience are critical to enhancing psychological well-being, but their complex interplay requires further investigation, particularly in a Greek adult population. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study with 1,230 Greek adults (67.6% females, 32.4% males), using a network analysis to assess the relationships among positive emotions, resilience, and life satisfaction. Data were collected through the Scale of Positive and Negative Experience (SPANE-8), the Brief Resilience Scale (BRS), and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). Network structures were constructed using the graphical LASSO technique for partial correlation analysis, and Bayesian networks were applied to generate Directed Acyclic Graphs (DAGs) to identify directional pathways. Centrality metrics were used to determine critical variables in the network. Results Happiness, pleasure, and contentment are examples of positive emotions that are central nodes in the network that are highly correlated with higher levels of life satisfaction. Resilience, primarily as a recovery mechanism from stress, showed weaker direct associations with life satisfaction. The DAG revealed that positive emotions significantly influenced life satisfaction, suggesting their pivotal role in improving well-being. Conclusion The findings underscore the importance of positive emotions in enhancing life satisfaction, suggesting that interventions targeting emotional well-being may be more effective than those focused solely on resilience. These insights offer a foundation for developing psychological interventions to improve life satisfaction.

Swimming Proficiency and Self-reported Mental Health Outcomes in Chinese Individuals

This researh examines the relationship between swimming proficiency and self-reported mental health outcomes in Chinese adults, considering different demographic variables. A descriptive-correlational research technique was used to recruit a varied sample from various areas and backgrounds in China. Systematic surveys evaluated swimming proficiency in multiple aspects, such as water confidence, breath control, body positioning, propulsion, coordination, and safety awareness. Additionally, self-reported mental health outcomes were measured, including emotional well-being, life satisfaction, self-esteem, sense of purpose, resilience, and social connectivity. The findings suggest that respondents usually have high confidence and proficiency in swimming abilities. However, there needs to be more understanding of safety measures, highlighting the need to enhance education on recognizing hazards and following safety procedures. Although respondents were skilled swimmers, they said that participating in swimming activities did not substantially impact their mental well-being, self-esteem, sense of purpose, resilience, or social connectivity. Nevertheless, a significant correlation between swimming proficiency and mental health outcomes was established, indicating that enhancing swimming abilities might benefit mental well-being. The study revealed many primary obstacles to participation in swimming, such as financial limitations, cultural and societal expectations, difficulties in accessing facilities, safety and health worries, and educational and psychological hindrances. The obstacles differ across different demographic groups, emphasizing the need for focused solutions.

Dating violence, mental health symptoms, and life satisfaction in same-sex and opposite-sex relationships in Spain: A gender analysis

Intimate partner violence has become a major social and public health problem. Thus, this study examines dating violence perpetration and victimization in opposite-sex and same-sex couples in Spain. The sample was non-probabilistic and consisted of 240 men and 288 women, half of each gender group had a same-sex partner while the other half had an opposite-sex partner. Participants were assessed using six scales and questionnaires. The results showed that 60.8% of men and 59% of women in same-sex relationships and 67.5% of men and 48.6% of women in opposite-sex relationships reported experiencing some – mostly psychological – violence from their partner. 21.7% of men and 11.1% of women with a same-sex partner and 25.8% of men and 9.7% of women with an opposite-sex partner reported experiencing physical violence, and 10% of men and 9% of women with a same-sex partner and 7.5% men and 6.3% women with an opposite sex partner reported sexual violence. The results showed that 60.8% of men and 59% of women in same-sex relationships and 67.5% of men and 48.6% of women in opposite-sex relationships reported experiencing some – mostly psychological – violence from their partner: 21.7% of men and 11.1%. Perpetration and victimization were associated: 47.5% of men and 46.5% of women with a same-sex partner and 53.3% of men and 38.9% of women with an opposite-sex partner reported being both victims and perpetrators of dating violence. In all groups, being a victim of violence was linked to increased anxiety and insomnia symptoms, and in some groups, it was also linked to severe depressive symptoms and low self-esteem. Despite differences depending on gender and whether the relationship is between same-sex or opposite-sex partners, dating violence is common in all relationships and represents a serious threat to mental health and well-being.

Examining the Influence of Health-Related Quality of Life on Job Satisfaction Among Nurses in Kazakhstan.

This study evaluated health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and job satisfaction among Kazakh nurses and investigated the relationship between HRQOL and job satisfaction. Nurses' HRQOL may, directly and indirectly, affect their job satisfaction, which could subsequently result in poorer productivity and quality patient care. A cross-sectional research design utilizing a standardized questionnaire was employed among 615 nurses working at the University Medical Center in Astana, Kazakhstan. Nurses generally reported moderate HRQOL and low job satisfaction. Marital status and the number of children were significant predictors of high HRQOL. Married nurses had lower job satisfaction than single nurses. Nurses' number of children contributed to an increase in job satisfaction. Experiencing better environmental health may lead to greater general, intrinsic and extrinsic job satisfaction among nurses. Positive physical health is associated with higher levels of extrinsic and general job satisfaction. Better social health is linked to better intrinsic and general job satisfaction, whereas positive psychological health is related to better intrinsic job satisfaction. This investigation provided evidence of the influence of HRQOL on nurses' job satisfaction in Kazakhstan. Healthcare facilities can create organizational cultures and working environments that prioritize the well-being of healthcare workers.

Voluntary Participation Mediates the Relationship Between Multi-Membership in Online Communities and Life Satisfaction Among Chinese Populations: A Gendered Perspective

Whether and how multi-membership in online communities might relate to life satisfaction within the Chinese population remain unclear. This study adopts a gendered perspective to explore the mediating role of voluntary participation in the relationship mentioned above based on a cross-sectional analysis of 2558 respondents from the 2019 Chinese Social Survey (CSS). Multivariable regressions and a mediation analysis were adopted for analyses. The findings reveal that a higher level of multi-membership in online communities is associated with greater life satisfaction for both males (B = 0.31, SE = 0.11) and females (B = 0.10, SE = 0.02). Specifically, the positive relationship is partially mediated (6.6%) by increased voluntary participation among females, where involvement in multiple types of online communities correlates with a heightened likelihood of engaging in voluntary activities (B = 0.006, Z = 3.910), which in turn contributes to higher levels of life satisfaction (B = 0.114, Z = 2.760). However, voluntary participation does not exhibit a significant mediating role in the relationship between multi-membership and life satisfaction among males. These findings provide valuable insights into the intricate ways in which online interactions can affect voluntary participation and life satisfaction, underscoring the importance of considering gender differences in these dynamics.

Differences in predicting athletic burnout and in moderating its relationship with life satisfaction in competitive and leisure athletes

The effects of athletic burnout on life satisfaction vary greatly between individuals, but few studies have examined influencing factors, such as coping mechanisms, that explain these differences. While athletes’ performance levels seem to influence the development of burnout symptoms, there is a lack of studies examining different performance levels separately. The present study therefore investigated the predictors of athletic burnout in competitive and leisure athletes separately, as well as possible moderators influencing the relationship between burnout and life satisfaction in these groups. A cross-sectional online study with sport-specific and general questionnaires was conducted. Latent (e.g., resilience) and manifest variables (e.g., stress) were included as predictors of athletic burnout in two structural equation models (competitive: robust RMSEA = 0.065, robust CFI = 0.946; leisure: robust RMSEA = 0.067, robust CFI = 0.937) with data from 422 athletes (Mage = 23.65; range = 16–67; 43% female, 57% male). Additionally, moderation analyses with coping mechanisms as moderators between burnout and life satisfaction were conducted. Results show that predictors of athletic burnout differ between performance levels. Furthermore, there is a significant moderation effect (p < 0.01) for positive self-concept in competitive sports. Approaches for future research and the development of target group-specific interventions are discussed.

Gerotranscendence and satisfaction with life: contributions of the centrality of events and religiosity

Tornstam identified a potential maturation process during aging that leads to a new vision and understanding of life, which he called gerotranscendence and which proved to be linked to the maintenance of well-being levels. Although his contributions have aroused considerable interest, they have also prompted much criticism. In order to empirically explore the proposal, an incidental sample of 370 Argentine adults was administered a battery of instruments that evaluated: age, spiritual transcendence, life satisfaction, centrality of events, and religiosity. The results indicate that age partially explains spiritual transcendence, just as age partially explains life satisfaction. However, the relationship between age and spiritual transcendence is not exclusive to old age. On the other hand, in the exploration of latent variables at chronological age, the centrality of events makes it possible to partially explain both the variance of spiritual transcendence and life satisfaction. While religiosity, in its socio-community contribution, is excluded from the explanatory model of gerotranscendence. Future studies should delve into the possible latent variables at chronological age and the socio-community contributions that could add to the understanding of the link between aging, spiritual transcendence and well-being.

Satisfaction with Life Among Elderly Participants in Active Maturity Groups: A Comparative Study with Institutionalized and Community Elderly Individuals

Objective: To compare levels of life satisfaction among three distinct groups of elderly individuals: those residing within the community, those in institutional care, and those engaged in an active aging program. Additionally, to explore the factors associated with this measure of well-being within each group. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2022 to May 2023. Participants aged 60 years or older were recruited from three groups: community-dwelling individuals, those in institutional settings, and participants in an active aging program. Data collection included sociodemographic variables, self-rated general health status, duration of sedentary behavior, levels of intrinsic religiosity, feelings of hope, and degrees of social isolation. The primary outcome assessed was life satisfaction. Results: The study included 305 elderly individuals: 115 (37.7%) from the active aging program, 119 (39.0%) from the community, and 71 (23.3%) institutionalized individuals. Institutionalized participants were older, engaged in longer durations of sedentary behavior, had lower educational attainment, and reported poorer health perceptions. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that hope, social isolation, and self-rated health were significantly associated with life satisfaction. Conclusion: The findings highlighted the importance of hope, social support, and self-rated health as primary determinants of life satisfaction among the elderly. Contrary to the initial hypothesis, group affiliation (community, active aging program, or institutionalized) did not emerge as a significant factor, suggesting the need for personalized, person-centered approaches to optimize elderly well-being.

The relationship between multidimensional social support and well-being in disability sport

In this study, we investigated the relationships among perceived social support, perceived available support in sport, team cohesion, grit, sport engagement, and life satisfaction among disability sport athletes. Twenty-four athletes from Israel and Belgium, aged 22 to 65, 87.5% male (n = 24) and 12.5% female (n = 3), with physical disabilities participated. The results showed significant positive correlations between team cohesion and sport engagement (r = 0.44, p &lt; 0.05) and life satisfaction (r = 0.57, p &lt; 0.01). Team cohesion was also linked to perceived social support (r = 0.55, p &lt; 0.01). Finally, grit and sport engagement (r = 0.50, p &lt; 0.01) and perceived social support and sport engagement (r = 0.50, p &lt; 0.05) were correlated. These findings underscore the importance of supportive social environments inside and outside of sport in potentially enhancing athlete well-being.

Measuring Happiness and Life Satisfaction amongst Swedish Citizens: an Inquiry into Semantic Equivalence in Comparative Survey Research

A consistent empirical finding is that Scandinavian countries by international standards score steadily high in terms of subjectively reported levels of happiness and life satisfaction. Intrigued by previous findings in Denmark (Lolle and Goul Anderson in Metode Og Forskningsdesign 1:95–119, 2013, in Journal of Happiness Studies 6:1–14)), this paper confirms that this is partly due to language effects. In this paper, Sweden serves as a case study that, similar to the Danish study, seeks to determine whether it is possible to establish semantic equivalence between translated survey items. By using randomized experiments on a representative sample of Swedish citizens with fluent skills in English, we test the effects of different designs in question wordings and response scale labels implemented by international surveys. The results reveal significant differences in answers on happiness. While the mean differences are very small, the distribution of answers is substantial enough to confirm a strong semantic threshold between the English term happy the Swedish term lycklig. Hence, it requires something more to be “very happy” in Swedish than in English. Notably, language appears to have a lesser impact on the distribution of responses across language groups when using a numbered response scale with endpoint labels, indicating that a particular question design either mitigates or intensifies translational effects. Happiness, it is concluded, is not easily translated and survey practitioners should bear this caveat in mind when operationalizing the concept across countries and cultures.

Progressing "Positive epidemiology": A cross-national analysis of adolescents' positive mental health and outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Positive epidemiology" emphasizes strengths and assets that protect the health of populations. Positive mental health refers to a range of social and emotional capabilities that may support adaptation to challenging circumstances. We examine the role of positive mental health in promoting adolescent health during the crisis phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. We used four long-running Australian and UK longitudinal cohorts: Childhood to Adolescence Transition Study (CATS; analyzed N=809; Australia); Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (LSAC) - Baby (analyzed N=1,534) and Kindergarten (analyzed N=1,300) cohorts; Millennium Cohort Study (MCS; analyzed N=2,490; UK). Measures included: (Pre-pandemic exposure): Positive mental health (parent-reported, 13-15 years) including regulating emotions, interacting well with peers, and caring for others; and pandemic outcomes: psychological distress, life satisfaction, and sleep and alcohol use outside of recommendations (16-21 years; 2020). We used two-stage meta-analysis to estimate associations between positive mental health and outcomes across cohorts, accounting for potential confounders. Estimates suggest meaningful effects of positive mental health on psychosocial outcomes during the pandemic, including lower risk of psychological distress (Risk Ratio [RR]=0.83 95%CI=0.71, 0.97) and higher life satisfaction (RR=1.1, 95%CI=1.0, 1.2). The estimated effects for health behaviors were smaller in magnitude (sleep: RR=0.95, 95%CI=0.86, 1.1; alcohol use: RR=0.97, 95%CI=0.85, 1.1). Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that adolescents' positive mental health supports better psychosocial outcomes during challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, but relevance for health behaviors is less clear. These findings reinforce the value of extending evidence to include positive health states and assets.

Effectiveness of Telemedicine in Managing Health-Related Issues in the Pediatric Population: A Systematic Review.

Healthcare delivery is made more convenient and effective via telemedicine, which enables physicians to conduct virtual consultations and evaluations with pediatric patients. The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate the efficacy of telemedicine as compared to physical appointments in the pediatric population. We used Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to search for the available literature using pre-specified inclusion and exclusion criteria. These databases provided 968 relevant research articles, which Endnote software screened for duplicates. Fourteen studies were considered relevant for full-text evaluation. After complete text evaluation, only 11 of these articles were found to be relevant. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) was used for the risk of bias assessment of all included studies. Eleven articles in all satisfied the requirements for inclusion and were added to the review. Every study was classified as either a cluster randomized trial (27%) or a randomized controlled trial (RCT) (73%). There were between 22 and 400 participants in each trial. Medical conditions evaluated included obesity (27%), mental health disorders (9%), asthma (18%), otitis media (9%), skin disorders (9%), type 1 diabetes (9%), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (9%), and pancreatic insufficiency associated with cystic fibrosis (1/11). Telemedicine strategies employed included telemedicine-based screening visits (9%), smartphone-based therapies (27%), phone counseling (18%), and videoconferencing visits between patients and doctors (45%). The outcomes of the telemedicine procedures in every included study were on par with or superior to those of the control groups. Medication adherence, appointment completion rates, life satisfaction, symptom management, and disease progression were all outcomes associated with these findings. Although more research is needed, the evidence from this review suggests that telemedicine services for the general public and pediatric care are comparable to or better than in-person services. Patients, healthcare professionals, and caregivers may benefit from using both telemedicine services and traditional in-person healthcare services. To maximize the potential of telemedicine, future research should focus on improving patients' access to care, increasing the cost-effectiveness of telemedicine services, and eliminating barriers to telemedicine use.

Patterns of Sexuality, Adjustment to Aging and Satisfaction with Life: A Cluster Analysis of Adults Across the Lifespan

AbstractSexual satisfaction, adjustment to aging, and satisfaction with life are relevant dimensions of overall well-being across the life cycle. Through cluster analysis procedures, this study aims to describe the specific profile of adjustment to aging, sexual satisfaction and satisfaction with life of adults across the life span. This cross-sectional study involved a community-based sample of 619 Portuguese individuals, aged between 18 and 92 years old (M = 47.53 SD = 18.34) evaluated using a two-step cluster analysis. Fours clusters emerged. The most adjusted participants were mostly of a younger age, women and had a high education. The least adjusted participants globally presented low education, poor perceived health, and poor engagement in leisure activities. Well-being focused participants were mostly women of older age, with high education and spirituality. Finally, moderately satisfied participants were mostly men of older age, had a lower education, and presented poor reported health. Complementary comparative analysis among the identified subgroups was performed. The most adjusted participants had the highest perceived overall sexual well-being, sexual attractiveness, sexual openness and communication, and sexual satisfaction. These data characterize the profile of this population and can be used as the basis for developing efficient strategies aimed a combining adjustment to aging, satisfaction with life and sexual satisfaction for tailored interventions to the specific needs of populations across the lifespan.

Religious Involvement, Education, and Subjective Well-Being Among Older Adults in Taiwan.

This study examines the relationship between religious involvement and subjective well-being among older adults in Taiwan, focusing on the moderating role of education. Analyzing data from a representative sample of older adults in Taichung, we found that religious participation was positively associated with happiness across the entire sample, regardless of education level. However, identifying as Catholic or other Christian was significant only among the highly educated. When examining life satisfaction, a significant interaction between religious participation and education was found. The positive effect of religious participation was evident among the less educated but absent among the highly educated. These findings suggest that different dimensions of religious involvement may have distinct impacts on well-being, depending on one's social standing.

Relationship between Filial Piety and Life Satisfaction among Young Adults in Malaysia and the UK: The Mediating Role of Perfectionism

Filial piety and perfectionism are associated with life satisfaction and are influenced by family values. This study examined the roles of filial piety beliefs and perfectionism in life satisfaction among 379 young adults aged 18 to 25 in Malaysia (n = 199) and the United Kingdom (n = 180). In both samples, reciprocal and authoritarian filial piety beliefs showed positive correlations with life satisfaction, while maladaptive perfectionism correlated negatively with life satisfaction. There was a positive correlation between adaptive perfectionism and life satisfaction only in the Malaysian sample. In both samples, adaptive and maladaptive perfectionism mediated the relationship between reciprocal filial piety and life satisfaction, but in opposite directions. That is, higher reciprocal filial piety was related to higher adaptive perfectionism and greater life satisfaction; higher reciprocal filial piety was also related to lower maladaptive perfectionism and better life satisfaction. Furthermore, maladaptive perfectionism mediated the relationship between authoritarian filial piety and life satisfaction in both samples; higher authoritarian filial piety was related to higher maladaptive perfectionism and reduced life satisfaction. However, specifically in the Malaysian sample, higher authoritarian filial piety predicted greater adaptive and maladaptive perfectionism. Findings highlight the importance of considering traditional family values, individual differences, and their interaction when evaluating subjective wellbeing.

Impacts of Indoor Air Quality on Working‐Age Populations' Subjective Well‐Being: Evidence From China Labor Dynamics Survey

ABSTRACTOutdoor air pollution can affect physical labor productivity and mental health, but it remains to be studied how indoor air quality (IAQ) exposure affects working‐age populations' subjective well‐being and physical health. Here, the first evidence of a link between IAQ and the subjective well‐being of working‐age populations has been provided using the dataset from a longitudinal survey in China. Using household ventilation as an instrument variable (IV) of IAQ revealed that IAQ improvements increased working‐age populations' subjective well‐being and life satisfaction by significantly affecting their physical health. Our analysis shows that an increase in IAQ by one standard deviation improves working‐age populations' subjective well‐being by 0.041 standard deviations. The marginal willingness to pay for IAQ is approximately 98.09 CNY. Compared with outdoor air quality, the impact of IAQ on well‐being and life satisfaction is more conspicuous. The results are robust to a variety of alternative specifications. For developing countries, improving IAQ is a new channel toward enhancing life quality, with lower economic and social costs.

Purpose, life satisfaction, and self-rated health in immigrant and non-immigrant adults

ABSTRACT Research into immigrant wellbeing and health has yielded evidence for both potential risks and the capacity for resilience of individuals moving to the United States. Limited research, though, has considered how immigrants may differ in their perceived commitment to a life direction and goals, known as sense of purpose. Moreover, research is needed on whether immigrants may be more likely to derive that purpose through social activism for change. The current study employed a nationwide sample of U. S. adults (N = 1973; 5.3% immigrants), who reported on their sense of purpose, activist purpose, self-rated health, and life satisfaction. Results indicated that immigrants did not significantly differ from native-born U. S. adults on levels for any of the primary variables. Sense of purpose was more strongly associated with life satisfaction for native-born than immigrant participants, although other associations were similar in magnitude across groups. Future research should further explore background predictors of sense of purpose among immigrant samples, as well as whether immigrants and native-born adults differ on alternative forms of purpose.