Gender and Height Are Associated With Life Satisfaction Through Psychosocial Factors: Findings From Sweden

This study examines the interplay between gender, height, and life satisfaction in the Swedish population. While height consistently shows a positive correlation with life satisfaction, gender effects on life satisfaction are typically null or inconsistent across studies, suggesting complex underlying mechanisms. Using data drawn from a representative cross-sectional sample (n = 990), we applied structural equation modeling (SEM) and multi-group confirmatory factor analysis. We investigated how five psychosocial factors assessed via multi-item scales (perceived safety, social trust, social support, social status, and financial satisfaction) mediate the effects of height and gender on life satisfaction. SEM results indicated that height and gender indirectly influence life satisfaction via the psychosocial factors, with no significant direct effects observed. Height demonstrated significant positive indirect effects on life satisfaction through perceived safety and financial satisfaction. Being female was associated with positive indirect effects on life satisfaction via social trust and social support (independent of height) but also showed negative indirect effects through height-mediated pathways involving safety and financial satisfaction. The findings suggest that height's positive association with life satisfaction operates indirectly via psychosocial factors, particularly perceived safety and financial satisfaction. Simultaneously, the lack of a direct gender-life satisfaction relationship may stem from counterbalancing indirect pathways, with some male advantages potentially operating through height. This study highlights the complex interplay of physical characteristics and psychosocial experiences in shaping well-being.