Demographic Differences in Life Dissatisfaction Among Adults: United States, 2021

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Sociology
• Health and Well-being

Background:

• Life satisfaction is a key indicator of overall health and well-being.
• Understanding disparities in life dissatisfaction is crucial for targeted health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine differences in life dissatisfaction among U.S. adults based on demographic characteristics.
• To analyze these differences stratified by family income levels relative to the federal poverty level.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from the 2021 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS).
• Analyzed life dissatisfaction percentages across age, sex, race/Hispanic origin, and nativity status.
• Stratified analyses by family income (below vs. above 200% of the federal poverty level).

Main Results:

• Overall, 4.8% of U.S. adults reported life dissatisfaction in 2021.
• Significant demographic disparities in life dissatisfaction were observed among adults with incomes below 200% of the federal poverty level.
• Specifically, men, adults aged 45-64, White non-Hispanic, Black non-Hispanic, and U.S.-born adults showed higher dissatisfaction in lower-income groups.

Conclusions:

• Life dissatisfaction varies significantly across demographic subgroups, particularly among lower-income populations.
• No significant demographic differences in life dissatisfaction were found among adults with incomes above 200% of the federal poverty level.
• Monitoring life dissatisfaction in detailed subgroups, especially by income, is essential beyond national estimates.