Life Domain Satisfactions as Predictors of Overall Life Satisfaction Among Workers: Evidence from Chile

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Sociology
• Occupational Health

Background:

• Life satisfaction is a key component of subjective well-being.
• Understanding the specific domain satisfactions that influence overall life satisfaction is crucial for worker well-being.
• A 'bottom-up' approach focuses on how satisfaction in specific life areas contributes to global life satisfaction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the subjective antecedents of life satisfaction among workers.
• To assess the unique influence of satisfaction across multiple life domains on overall life satisfaction.
• To identify the most significant predictors of life satisfaction in a working population.

Main Methods:

• A quantitative, cross-sectional study was conducted.
• A nationwide sample of 530 Chilean workers was surveyed.
• Regression analysis was used to test the effects of seven life domain satisfactions (health, financial, social relationships, self-worth, leisure, family, work) on life satisfaction, controlling for age and gender.

Main Results:

• Satisfaction with financial situation was the dominant predictor of overall life satisfaction (β = .36).
• Satisfaction with family (β = .25), work (β = .14), and health (β = .14) also significantly predicted life satisfaction.
• Satisfaction with self-worth, leisure-time, and social relationships did not show statistically significant effects.

Conclusions:

• Financial satisfaction plays a paramount role in the overall life satisfaction of workers.
• Family, work, and health domains are also important, though secondary, contributors to life satisfaction.
• Interventions aimed at improving worker well-being should prioritize financial well-being, alongside family, work, and health support.