Neighborhood Perception and Happiness among University Students: Moderating Effects of Gender and Socio-economic Status

Abstract Perceptions about the residential neighborhood environment significantly influence individuals’ emotional well-being and life satisfaction. For university students, who often experience transitions in living situations and social environments, understanding how these perceptions relate to happiness is essential. This study investigates the associations between students’ neighborhood perceptions and their happiness levels, examining the moderating effect of gender and socio-economic status. A cross-sectional survey of 400 students (56.3% female, 43.7% male; average age 22.54 years) was conducted using standardized measures of environmental perception and happiness. Correlational, regression, and moderation analyses revealed a positive association between neighborhood perception and happiness. Gender moderated this relationship in a crossover pattern: males reported greater happiness at lower neighborhood perception levels, whereas females showed higher happiness at more positive perceptions. Also, socio-economic status functioned as a significant moderator between perceived neighborhood and perceived happiness. Upper-class residents are less responsive to perceived happiness with a corresponding increase in neighborhood positivity unlike the lower-class individuals who manifested a greater subjective well-being comparatively in response to the enhancement of neighborhood quality. These findings underscore the dynamic interaction between environmental perceptions, gender and socio-economic status in shaping happiness, with important implications for designing residential spaces and mental health initiatives that support diverse populations.