Life satisfaction and domain satisfaction: A systematic review and meta-analysis of longitudinal studies

Abstract

The goal of this meta-analysis was to improve the understanding of life satisfaction and domain satisfaction, by synthesizing the available longitudinal data. First, we meta-analyzed the stability of individual differences in these constructs, using multilevel mixed-effects models. Second, we meta-analyzed their concurrent associations, using multilevel random-effects models. Third, we tested for their prospective effects, using two types of models with different modeling assumptions (cross-lagged panel models, dynamic panel models). We included seven domain satisfactions (e.g., romantic relationships, health). Data came from 98 samples, including 252,647 participants. The results indicated high rank-order stability of life satisfaction and domain satisfaction and moderate to strong concurrent correlations between these constructs. Hence, the results support the notion that life satisfaction and domain satisfaction can be understood as trait-like characteristics and are substantially associated with each other. As regards their prospective effects, however, the two models suggested a different pattern of findings. More precisely, the findings indicated that controlling for stable-between differences in the dynamic panel models altered the overall pattern of prospective effects. This suggests that explanations other than reciprocal effects should be considered and examined in future research (e.g., genetics, dispositions) and highlights the crucial role of modeling decisions when analyzing cross-lagged effects.

Plain language summary

To assess the quality of their life, people usually rate their satisfaction with their life overall (life satisfaction hereafter) and their satisfaction with specific life domains, such as their job and romantic relationships (domain satisfaction hereafter). Life satisfaction and domain satisfaction are related to each other. However, the research findings so far cannot provide clear information about the direction of these effects. This means we cannot say for sure whether life satisfaction affects domain satisfaction (i.e., top-down theory), whether domain satisfaction affects life satisfaction (i.e., bottom-up theory), or whether both directions apply. Therefore, the aim of this conclusive analysis was to improve the understanding of life satisfaction and domain satisfaction. To do so, we searched for all available data measuring life satisfaction and domain satisfaction (namely satisfaction with romantic relationships, health, job, finances, social life, family, and leisure) more than once. We found 98 samples with 252,647 participants and computed three types of analyses. First, we analyzed how stable life satisfaction and domain satisfaction are over time. Second, we examined the relations between life satisfaction and domain satisfaction at a given point in time. Third, we tested whether life satisfaction and domain satisfaction predicted changes in each other over time. In this last approach, we used two types of statistical models (called cross-lagged panel models and dynamic panel models). The results showed that life satisfaction and domain satisfaction are relatively stable constructs that are substantially associated with each other at a given point in time. However, as regards their effects over time, the two models suggested a different pattern of findings. This highlights the important role of modeling decisions when analyzing cross-lagged effects.