Temperature Effects on People’s Subjective Well-Being and Their Subjective Adaptation: Empirical Evidence from China

Zhengtao Li () and Bin Hu ()
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Zhengtao Li: Zhejiang University of Finance & Economics
Bin Hu: Tsinghua University

Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, 2025, vol. 177, issue 3, No 8, 1112 pages

Abstract: Abstract This study examines the impacts of daily temperature fluctuations on individuals' subjective well-being (SWB) and their adaptive responses. Utilizing data from the China Family Panel Survey spanning from 2010 to 2017, the analysis reveals a non-linear, U-shaped relationship between daily temperature fluctuations and SWB. Furthermore, the findings indicate that anticipated temperature variations significantly and negatively affect SWB, suggesting the presence of subjective adaptability to temperature changes. Additional analysis shows that residents of northern China are more likely to adopt protective measures in response to anticipated temperature fluctuations and demonstrate greater adaptability than their counterparts in southern China. Moreover, rural residents engage in fewer adaptive behaviors than urban residents, particularly under conditions of lower-than-expected temperatures. These findings highlight the critical need for equitable adaptation strategies to enhance resilience to temperature variability across regions and communities. Such strategies are essential for improving SWB across diverse demographic and socioeconomic groups.

Keywords: Temperature changes; Heat index; Subjective well-being; Subjective adaptation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1007/s11205-025-03550-9

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