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The Multi-dimensional Characteristics of Wellbeing: How Different Aspects of Wellbeing Interact and Do Not Interact with Each Other

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Abstract

Because wellbeing is a multi-varied and dynamic phenomenon, social scientists need to better understand how different aspects of people’s wellbeing are tied together and how these ties differ between individuals at one point in time and within individuals over time. The paper outlines a general model that considers the multidimensional structure of wellbeing. We utilize the potential of latent variable modelling on a unique Swedish database: the Panel Survey of Ageing and the Elderly (PSAE). An inclusive and flexible model that considers the interactions between semi-autonomous domains (material resources, health, psychosocial factors, lifestyle, etc.) is developed. Our empirical study is based on cross-sectional PSAE data and focuses on people 55 years or older (N = 5,374). The analysis takes advantage of recent developments in statistical theory in the field of latent variable modelling to bring about a more dynamic and theory confirming analysis of a multifaceted phenomenon such as wellbeing.

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Acknowledgments

This research was carried out with financial support from the Swedish Council for Work Life and Social Science (Grant: 2006–1650). Earlier version of this paper has been presented at Lund University, Umeå University, University of Gothenburg, Stockholm University, University of New South Wales, and University of South Australia. We are thankful for many and appreciated comments. We especially want to thank Ingrid Munck for invaluable advices and encouragement.

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  1. Department of Sociology and Work Science, Box 720, 405 30, Gothenburg, Sweden

    Björn Halleröd & Daniel Seldén

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  1. Björn Halleröd
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Correspondence to Björn Halleröd.

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Halleröd, B., Seldén, D. The Multi-dimensional Characteristics of Wellbeing: How Different Aspects of Wellbeing Interact and Do Not Interact with Each Other. Soc Indic Res 113, 807–825 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11205-012-0115-8

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