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Quality of Life in Intentional Communities

Author

Listed:
  • Bjørn Grinde

    (Norwegian Institute of Public Health)

  • Ragnhild Bang Nes

    (Norwegian Institute of Public Health)

  • Ian F. MacDonald

    (Binghamton University)

  • David Sloan Wilson

    (Binghamton University)

Abstract

The present study was initiated to investigate levels and predictors of wellbeing among inhabitants of intentional communities (ICs). An anonymous, Internet-based questionnaire was distributed to US and Canadian ICs. Responses were obtained from 913 members. Wellbeing was measured by the widely used satisfaction with life scale (SWLS). Hierarchical linear regression analyses were run to test the predictive validity of Social support, Identity fusion, Meaning in life, Community satisfaction and Life change, and Religious activity above and beyond demographic variables and personality traits. Mean scores on the SWLS were estimated to 5.27 and 5.47 (1–7 scale) for men and women, respectively. The full model explained 41.4% of the variance for men and 38.2% for women. Personality explained 13.4 (men) and 14.4% (women) of the variation, while demographic variables only had a minor impact. Overall, presence of Meaning in life and Social support were the most important predictors. The IC inhabitants reported wellbeing on par with the highest scores previously published. The findings support the contention that sustainability, in the form of a communal lifestyle of low ecological footprint, may be promoted without forfeiting wellbeing.

Suggested Citation

  • Bjørn Grinde & Ragnhild Bang Nes & Ian F. MacDonald & David Sloan Wilson, 2018. "Quality of Life in Intentional Communities," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 137(2), pages 625-640, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:soinre:v:137:y:2018:i:2:d:10.1007_s11205-017-1615-3
    DOI: 10.1007/s11205-017-1615-3
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Mulder, Kenneth & Costanza, Robert & Erickson, Jon, 2006. "The contribution of built, human, social and natural capital to quality of life in intentional and unintentional communities," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 59(1), pages 13-23, August.
    2. Helen Jarvis, 2011. "Saving Space, Sharing Time: Integrated Infrastructures of Daily Life in Cohousing," Environment and Planning A, , vol. 43(3), pages 560-577, March.
    3. Iddisah Sulemana, 2016. "Are Happier People More Willing to Make Income Sacrifices to Protect the Environment?," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 127(1), pages 447-467, May.
    4. Abbott Ferriss, 2002. "Religion and the Quality of Life," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 3(3), pages 199-215, September.
    5. Charles Seaford, 2011. "Time to legislate for the good life," Nature, Nature, vol. 477(7366), pages 532-533, September.
    6. Wilson, David Sloan & Ostrom, Elinor & Cox, Michael E., 2013. "Generalizing the core design principles for the efficacy of groups," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 90(S), pages 21-32.
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