Impact of changes in life circumstances on subjective well-being in an adult population over a 3-year period

Objectives: Mental health problems are a major issue worldwide, and there is a need to further explore factors that may increase or decrease people's subjective well-being (SWB). The main aim of the present study was to extend knowledge concerning changes in cohabitation, social support or financial situation and their influence on SWB, after controlling for personality (i.e. neuroticism), in a 3-year follow-up of an adult population-based sample. The change in overall well-being was also studied during the 3-year interval. Study design: Longitudinal design. Methods: A random sample of Swedish citizens, aged 20-64 years, residing in Stockholm County received a questionnaire by post, comprising items pertaining to demographics, personality, social support and SWB. All the respondents received a second questionnaire 3 years later. In total, 8324 subjects were included in the present study. Results: The overall well-being of the study sample was relatively stable. Separate analyses of the three life circumstances indicated that, after controlling for personality, positive and negative changes in each sphere of life still affected SWB. Conclusions: Despite personality and the stability of SWB, these results indicate that changes in financial situation, social support and cohabitation influence SWB. It is important for society and the healthcare services to be aware that a negative change in any of these life circumstances may lead to decreased well-being for a period of at least 3 years. (C) 2008 The Royal Institute of Public Health. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.