Understanding Key Predictors of Life Satisfaction in a Nationally Representative Sample of Koreans

Yun-Kyeung Choi, Mohsen Joshanloo (), Jae-Ho Lee, Hong-Seock Lee, Heung-Pyo Lee and Jonghwan Song
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Yun-Kyeung Choi: Department of Psychology, Keimyung University, Daegu 42601, Republic of Korea
Mohsen Joshanloo: Department of Psychology, Keimyung University, Daegu 42601, Republic of Korea
Jae-Ho Lee: Department of Psychology, Keimyung University, Daegu 42601, Republic of Korea
Hong-Seock Lee: Hallym University Medical Center, Seoul 07441, Republic of Korea
Heung-Pyo Lee: Department of Art Therapy, Daegu Cyber University, Gyeongsan-si 38453, Republic of Korea
Jonghwan Song: Department of Psychology, Keimyung University, Daegu 42601, Republic of Korea

IJERPH, 2023, vol. 20, issue 18, 1-19

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to examine the factors that predict life satisfaction in a large representative sample of Koreans by analyzing data from the Gallup World Poll. The primary objective was to identify important predictors and suggest strategies to improve quality of life in Korea. The study used available Korean data from 2006 to 2017, which included 14,101 participants (mean age = 46.42). Predictors included demographic and psychological variables, with the Cantril Ladder of Life Scale serving as the outcome variable. The results show a decline in life satisfaction with advancing age, and that the relationship between life satisfaction and age varied by gender. Among the predictors examined, satisfaction with the standard of living and household income emerged as the most influential factors in determining life evaluation; other strong predictors included positive affect and negative affect, social support, gender, and education level. These results imply that, to increase life satisfaction, it is imperative to provide job opportunities and social services specifically targeted to individuals in low-income groups. In addition, it is crucial to implement tailored psychosocial interventions that address the unique developmental tasks and psychological challenges experienced by individuals according to their gender and life cycle stage.

Keywords: life satisfaction; well-being; gender; age; income; Gallup World Poll (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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