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Happiness and Satisfaction with Work Commute

Author

Listed:
  • Lars Olsson
  • Tommy Gärling
  • Dick Ettema
  • Margareta Friman
  • Satoshi Fujii

Abstract

Research suggests that for many people happiness is being able to make the routines of everyday life work, such that positive feelings dominate over negative feelings resulting from daily hassles. In line with this, a survey of work commuters in the three largest urban areas of Sweden show that satisfaction with the work commute contributes to overall happiness. It is also found that feelings during the commutes are predominantly positive or neutral. Possible explanatory factors include desirable physical exercise from walking and biking, as well as that short commutes provide a buffer between the work and private spheres. For longer work commutes, social and entertainment activities either increase positive affects or counteract stress and boredom. Satisfaction with being employed in a recession may also spill over to positive experiences of work commutes. Copyright The Author(s) 2013

Suggested Citation

  • Lars Olsson & Tommy Gärling & Dick Ettema & Margareta Friman & Satoshi Fujii, 2013. "Happiness and Satisfaction with Work Commute," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 111(1), pages 255-263, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:soinre:v:111:y:2013:i:1:p:255-263
    DOI: 10.1007/s11205-012-0003-2
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    References listed on IDEAS

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