DOI: 10.17233/sosyoekonomi.2026.03.12 ISSN: 1305-5577

Contextualising Subjective Well-Being Through Happiness and Life Satisfaction: A Microdata Analysis

İsmail Çakmak, Selcen Öztürk, Dilek Başar
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The primary aim of this study is to identify the direct and indirect factors influencing the two dimensions of subjective well-being: happiness and life satisfaction. In this context, using pseudo-panel data and path analysis, the study investigates whether happiness and life satisfaction in Türkiye vary across different socioeconomic, demographic, and environmental factors. Furthermore, it examines whether satisfaction with health and future expectations mediate these relationships and whether gender moderates them. Key findings indicate that higher education negatively influences happiness but positively affects life satisfaction, highlighting the complex interaction between educational attainment and well-being. Notably, the study reveals shifting dynamics over time: higher education initially correlates with greater happiness through improved health satisfaction and future expectations, but later correlates with lower happiness due to reduced future expectations. Moreover, age's influence on life satisfaction is mediated by health satisfaction and future expectations, suggesting the importance of addressing health and outlooks to enhance overall well-being. Policy recommendations stemming from these insights include interventions to improve healthcare access, promote healthy lifestyles, mitigate socioeconomic disparities, and enhance educational and environmental conditions.

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