Stressful and potentially traumatic life events and satisfaction with life among Norwegian adults: cross-sectional results from the seventh survey of the Tromsø study
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To examine the association between interpersonal and impersonal stressful and potentially traumatic life events (SLEs/PTEs) and satisfaction with life (SWL), and to assess the extent to which this relationship is mediated by mental distress, somatic health and social factors. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Population-based study in Tromsø, Norway. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 21 069 adults aged ≥40 years from the seventh wave of the Tromsø Study (mean age 57.3 years). PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURE: SWL measured using the Satisfaction With Life Scale-3. METHODS: Linear regression analyses and structural equation modelling (SEM) were used to examine associations between SLEs/PTEs and SWL and to assess direct and indirect effects via mental distress, somatic health, cohabitation status, perceived social support and self-reliance. RESULTS: Both interpersonal (B = -0.11, p<0.001) and impersonal SLEs/PTEs (B = -0.05, p<0.001) were significantly associated with lower SWL. SEM analyses indicated that SLEs/PTEs had both direct negative effects on SWL (interpersonal SLE/PTE: B = -0.15, p<0.001, impersonal SLE/PTE: B = -0.06, p<0.001) and indirect effects through mental distress, somatic health, living with a partner, having friends to confide in and self-reliance. CONCLUSIONS: Exposure to SLEs/PTEs is associated with reduced life satisfaction, with both direct and indirect pathways via mental and somatic health and social support. Interpersonal SLEs/PTEs appear to have a stronger negative impact on SWL than impersonal events.
Source: BMJ Open
Institution: UiT The Arctic University of Norway
Language: English
Subfield: Clinical Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,839
OpenAlex ID: W7220727190