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Analysis of Socio-demographics, Self-rated Health, Social Capital, and Happiness in a Medium-Sized Healthy City, Republic of Korea

Year: 2015

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: This study explores the relationships between social capital, self-rated health, and happiness and suggests ways to improve the happiness level of a community. METHODS: The survey was conducted with 445 people using stratified random sampling in a medium-sized city in Korea. Collected information included socio-demographic characteristics, social capital, self-rated health, and happiness. RESULTS: Among the demographic characteristics, age had a statistically significant association with happiness level. People in their 40s (OR = 0.33, 95% CI = 0.13-0.88) and 50s (OR = 0.19, 95% CI = 0.06-0.57) were less happy than people of other ages. Married people (OR = 4.58, CI = 1.99-10.53) were more likely to have a high happiness level compared to unmarried people. Cognitive social capital (OR = 1.34, CI = 1.19-1.51) and self-rated health (OR = 2.22, CI = 1.59-3.09) were positively associated with happiness. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that social capital and level of health are determinants of subjective happiness. Public policies and programs for improving social capital are needed to support happiness among community residents.

Source: Journal of Lifestyle Medicine

DOI: 10.15280/jlm.2015.5.2.68

Authors: Heui Sug Jo, Ji Young Moon, Bong Gi Kim, Eun Woo Nam

Institutions: Kangwon National University, Kangwon National University Hospital, Korea Institute of Drug Safety and Risk Management

Language: English

Topic: Psychological Well-being and Life Satisfaction

Subfield: Social Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Sustainable cities and communities

Open Access status: green

OpenAlex ID: W2431916166

FWCI: 0.773

Cites: 23

Cited by: 16

Related to: 10