Life satisfaction in 18- to 64-year-old Swedes: in relation to education, employment situation, health and physical activity.

Abstract

The aim of this study is to relate different sociodemographic, health and physical activity parameters to levels of satisfaction with life as a whole and with 10 specific domains of life. Data on socio-demographic items were sampled, using strictly structured interviews, while a checklist (LiSat-11) was used for self-reported levels of life satisfaction. A nationally representative Swedish sample of 1207 women and 1326 men aged 18-64 years. Univariately most of these socio-demographic variables were associated with several of the LiSat-11 items. Using logistic regression, perceived good health and not being a first generation immigrant were the most prominent positive predictors of satisfaction with life as a whole and of most of the domains. Also educational level impacted predictively on satisfaction with many LiSat-11 items. Furthermore, those who were vocationally active, perceived their financial situation as better than or similar to most people's and had a steady partner relationship were particularly likely to be satisfied with life as a whole and with two or more of the domains. These results indicate that a multitude of aspects must be taken into account when assessing life satisfaction.