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Understanding Key Predictors of Life Satisfaction in a Nationally Representative Sample of Koreans

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  • Yun-Kyeung Choi

    (Department of Psychology, Keimyung University, Daegu 42601, Republic of Korea)

  • Mohsen Joshanloo

    (Department of Psychology, Keimyung University, Daegu 42601, Republic of Korea)

  • Jae-Ho Lee

    (Department of Psychology, Keimyung University, Daegu 42601, Republic of Korea)

  • Hong-Seock Lee

    (Hallym University Medical Center, Seoul 07441, Republic of Korea)

  • Heung-Pyo Lee

    (Department of Art Therapy, Daegu Cyber University, Gyeongsan-si 38453, Republic of Korea)

  • Jonghwan Song

    (Department of Psychology, Keimyung University, Daegu 42601, Republic of Korea)

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the factors that predict life satisfaction in a large representative sample of Koreans by analyzing data from the Gallup World Poll. The primary objective was to identify important predictors and suggest strategies to improve quality of life in Korea. The study used available Korean data from 2006 to 2017, which included 14,101 participants (mean age = 46.42). Predictors included demographic and psychological variables, with the Cantril Ladder of Life Scale serving as the outcome variable. The results show a decline in life satisfaction with advancing age, and that the relationship between life satisfaction and age varied by gender. Among the predictors examined, satisfaction with the standard of living and household income emerged as the most influential factors in determining life evaluation; other strong predictors included positive affect and negative affect, social support, gender, and education level. These results imply that, to increase life satisfaction, it is imperative to provide job opportunities and social services specifically targeted to individuals in low-income groups. In addition, it is crucial to implement tailored psychosocial interventions that address the unique developmental tasks and psychological challenges experienced by individuals according to their gender and life cycle stage.

Suggested Citation

  • 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.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:18:p:6745-:d:1238312
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Pablo Diego-Rosell & Robert Tortora & James Bird, 2018. "International Determinants of Subjective Well-Being: Living in a Subjectively Material World," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 19(1), pages 123-143, January.
    2. Blanchflower, David G. & Oswald, Andrew J., 2008. "Is well-being U-shaped over the life cycle?," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 66(8), pages 1733-1749, April.
    3. Miriam Sang-Ah Park & Mohsen Joshanloo, 2021. "Satisfaction with Life Declines with Age in Malaysia: an Exploratory Analysis of Factors Influencing Subjective Well-Being in a Developing/Middle-Income Country," Applied Research in Quality of Life, Springer;International Society for Quality-of-Life Studies, vol. 16(2), pages 471-486, April.
    4. 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.
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