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Predictors of Life Satisfaction in New Zealand: Analysis of a National Dataset

Author

Listed:
  • Rebecca J. Jarden

    (Department of Nursing, Melbourne School of Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, 161 Barry St., Carlton, VIC 3053, Australia)

  • Mohsen Joshanloo

    (Department of Psychology, Keimyung University, 1095 Dalgubeol Boulevard, Dalseo-Gu, Daegu 42601, Korea)

  • Dan Weijers

    (School of Social Sciences, University of Waikato, Gate 1 Knighton Road, Private Bag 3105, Hamilton 3240, New Zealand)

  • Margaret H. Sandham

    (School of Clinical Sciences, Auckland University of Technology (AUT), North Shore Campus, 90 Akoranga Drive, Northcote, Auckland 0627, New Zealand)

  • Aaron J. Jarden

    (Centre for Wellbeing Science, Melbourne Graduate School of Education, The University of Melbourne, Kwong Lee Dow Building, 234 Queensberry Street, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC 3053, Australia)

Abstract

The study aim was to determine prevalence and predictors of life satisfaction in New Zealand. In this observational cross-sectional study, a sample of 10,799 participants from NZ were drawn from the Gallup World Poll from 2006 to 2017. Data were analysed using regression analysis and ANOVA. Prevalence of life satisfaction across time varied little from a high of 7.61 ( SD = 1.6) in 2007 to a low of 7.23 ( SD = 1.73) in 2011 (range 0–10). Satisfaction with standards of living predicted life satisfaction regardless of age or gender. For males across all age groups and females up to age 40 years, positive experiences and satisfaction with household income were important predictors. Being married was an important predictor for males over 40 years and feeling satisfied with their current city was important for females across all ages and for men under 40. The levels of life satisfaction changed over time, possibly due to major national events. Satisfaction with standards of living was found to predict life satisfaction regardless of age or gender. These results provide a path for policy focus towards increased life satisfaction.

Suggested Citation

  • Rebecca J. Jarden & Mohsen Joshanloo & Dan Weijers & Margaret H. Sandham & Aaron J. Jarden, 2022. "Predictors of Life Satisfaction in New Zealand: Analysis of a National Dataset," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(9), pages 1-17, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:9:p:5612-:d:808955
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Julie A. Blake & Hannah J. Thomas & Anita M. Pelecanos & Jake M. Najman & James G. Scott, 2024. "Attachment in Young Adults and Life Satisfaction at Age 30: A Birth Cohort Study," Applied Research in Quality of Life, Springer;International Society for Quality-of-Life Studies, vol. 19(4), pages 1549-1568, August.
    2. Yun-Kyeung Choi & Mohsen Joshanloo & Jae-Ho Lee & Hong-Seock Lee & Heung-Pyo Lee & Jonghwan Song, 2023. "Understanding Key Predictors of Life Satisfaction in a Nationally Representative Sample of Koreans," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(18), pages 1-19, September.

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