The Relationship among Socioeconomic Factors, Social Relation, Happiness, and Life Satisfaction: Evidence from European Social Survey 2018

This study examines the effects of sociodemographic variables, especially social relations, and skill development, on happiness and life satisfaction in European countries using the 2018 European Social Survey dataset. In the present study, happiness and life satisfaction are considered different concepts. The results indicate that sociodemographic variables display significant differences in happiness and life satisfaction. In addition, happiness and life satisfaction are explained differently by the same variables and conditions. Regression analysis indicates that the strength of the individual's social relations and increase in household income are the variables that contribute the most to the happiness scale. The strength of the social relationship and living on household income are the strongest predictors of life satisfaction.