Life satisfaction in three Namibian cultures
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Life satisfaction is one of the most studied variables in psychology, and researchers often compare broad cultural groups, but limited attention has been given to comparisons of sub-cultures within African nations. This study aimed to compare life satisfaction across three cultural groups in Namibia. We compared life satisfaction among participants within Namibia (N = 1912) who speak English, Khoekhoe or Oshiwambo. We first fit measurement models for life satisfaction in each group separately and then examined measurement invariance across samples. We then used invariant indicators to compare these groups in terms of mean levels and correlations with demographic variables and health. In general, evidence supported the validity of life satisfaction across groups. However, some interesting patterns emerged suggestive of cultural variation. For instance, life satisfaction was only significantly associated with age in the English sample and was only associated with health in the English and Khoekhoe samples. These findings support the assessment of life satisfaction in diverse Namibian cultures and point to variability in the factors that affect quality of life among different subgroups. Contribution: Findings are discussed in terms of cultural variation within Namibia and other African subgroups and regarding broader issues around understanding life satisfaction in majority world populations.
Institutions: University of Zurich, University of Bern, University of Namibia
Language: English
Subfield: Social Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $636
OpenAlex ID: W7223173091