Life Satisfaction in 18- To 64-Year-Old Swedes: In Relation to Education, Employment Situation, Health and Physical Activity

OBJECTIVE: 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. DESIGN: 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. SUBJECTS: A nationally representative Swedish sample of 1207 women and 1326 men aged 18-64 years. RESULTS: 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. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that a multitude of aspects must be taken into account when assessing life satisfaction.