Study on the Effect of Social Cohesion on Individual Well-Being in Senegal

Introduction: Social cohesion, a key pillar of sustainable development and social harmony, is increasingly recognized for its impact on population well-being. In Senegal, where poverty, inequality, and structural vulnerabilities persist, analyzing social cohesion provides insight into potential drivers for improving individual well-being. This study assessed the effect of social cohesion on subjective well-being among the Senegalese population. Methodology: A descriptive and analytical cross-sectional household survey was conducted from July 23 to August 9, 2023. Six individuals per household, aged five years and above, were randomly selected, producing a nationally representative sample. Social cohesion was measured through trust, solidarity, civic participation, and social inclusion, while well-being was assessed using subjective indicators such as mood, energy, calmness, and life satisfaction. Results: Findings showed that 35.5% of respondents reported feeling energetic most of the time, 35.4% felt calm and peaceful, and 34.6% reported good mood and overall well-being. Marked disparities emerged by age, gender, location, education, and poverty status, with lower well-being levels in rural, poorer, and less-educated groups. Higher social cohesion was consistently associated with greater well-being. Conclusion: These results underscore the role of social cohesion as a determinant of individual well-being in Senegal. Public policies should integrate solidarity, inclusion, and civic participation into poverty reduction strategies and initiatives to strengthen mental and social health.