Predictors of Life Satisfaction: A Nationwide Investigation in Iran

Nasim Salehi*, Mohsen Joshanloo, Scott Lamont, Dean Whitehead

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleResearchpeer-review

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Abstract

Iran is a developing country with low levels of economic development and globalization and is ruled by a theocratic government. To address the lack of national research on well-being in Iran, this retrospective observational study aims to examine life satisfaction and its main determinants among Iranian adults. Using World Gallup Poll data collected between 2006 and 2017, we examined life satisfaction as a cognitive aspect of subjective well-being in relation to various factors. Our results show that income is the strongest predictor of life satisfaction, followed by standard of living, gender, social support, age, negative affect, and education. In developing countries such as Iran, which face significant economic, political, and social challenges, individuals prioritize the satisfaction of basic needs by emphasizing factors such as the socioeconomic status. In contrast, developed countries with established welfare systems may emphasize other values such as social connections and healthy lifestyle behaviors as key factors in life satisfaction. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of the determinants of life satisfaction in Iran and provides insights for future research and policy making.

Original languageEnglish
Article number8843363
Pages (from-to)1-14
Number of pages14
JournalHealth and Social Care in the Community
Volume2024
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 3 Apr 2024
Externally publishedYes

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