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How does commute duration affect subjective well-being? A case study of Chinese cities

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Abstract

Previous research on the role of commute duration in subjective well-being (SWB) has paid little attention to developing countries and the possible pathways determining the relationship between them. In this study, we construct a conceptual framework, identifying the possible pathways through which commute duration may affect SWB. Next, we empirically analyse some of these pathways in the context of urban China. We find that although the direct effects of commute duration on life satisfaction and emotional well-being are insignificant, prolonged commute duration has significant and negative indirect effects on life satisfaction and emotional well-being through lowering health, job satisfaction, and community-based social capital. In addition, compared with people who commute by public transport, those who use private cars are more satisfied with their lives. Urban policymakers should give more consideration to reducing traffic congestion, to promoting the housing and labour market, as well as public transport, to reduce the negative influences of commute duration on SWB.

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Acknowledgements

This study was supported by research project Major Program of National Social Science Foundation of China (No.17ZDA068).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Research Center for China Administrative Division, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, People’s Republic of China

    Bindong Sun, Jie Lin & Chun Yin

  2. Future City Lab, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, People’s Republic of China

    Bindong Sun, Jie Lin & Chun Yin

  3. Institute of Eco-Chongming, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, People’s Republic of China

    Bindong Sun, Jie Lin & Chun Yin

  4. The Center for Modern Chinese City Studies, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, People’s Republic of China

    Bindong Sun, Jie Lin & Chun Yin

  5. School of Urban and Regional Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, People’s Republic of China

    Bindong Sun, Jie Lin & Chun Yin

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  1. Bindong Sun
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  2. Jie Lin
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BS: literature search, data collection, modelling, manuscript writing. JL: researching planning, literature search, and review, analysis of modelling results, manuscript writing, and editing. CY: manuscript writing and editing.

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Correspondence to Jie Lin.

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Sun, B., Lin, J. & Yin, C. How does commute duration affect subjective well-being? A case study of Chinese cities. Transportation 48, 885–908 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11116-020-10082-3

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