Cross-cultural differences in subjective well-being: Mexico and Spain

The objective of this study was to analyse the differences in subjective well-being in 346 undergraduate students, from two cultures: one collectivist (Mexico) and one individualist (Spain). Global Subjective Wellbeing was assessed through the Satisfaction with Life Scale, the Subjective Happiness Scale, the PANAS scales, and also the satisfaction with four specific life domains: affective relations, studies, health and leisure were considered. The analyses have shown higher levels in all the indicators of subjective well-being for Mexican students. The regression analyses revealed the importance of sentimental and studies satisfaction for happiness and life satisfaction in both cultures. Also, health satisfaction for Mexicans, and leisure satisfaction for Spanish influenced global measures of subjective well-being. The findings supported the differential effect of culture on subjective well-being, especially in its prediction through the satisfaction with certain specific life domains.