The Moderating Effect of Socio-Demographic Characteristics on Subjective Wellbeing

Olusegun Mayungbo

Abstract


The independent association between socio-demographic characteristics and subjective well-being is well studied, however, the moderating impact of those characteristics are yet to be established in literature. This study examines the moderating influence of socio-demographic characteristics on subjective well-being among residents in Ibadan metropolis. Using a descriptive survey design and a multistage sampling technique, 10 enumeration areas each were selected from the five major Local Government Areas (LGAs) with simple random technique. The number of participants on the selected enumeration areas were determined with enumeration area maps. Two hundred and twenty participants each were selected from each LGA, using a systematic technique, making a total of 1,100 participants. A questionnaire focusing on socio-demographic profile and life satisfaction scale (r=0.74) was administered to the participants. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, co-relational analysis, moderated hierarchical multiple regression and analysis of variance at 0.05 level of significance. Two hypotheses were tested. The result reveals that socio-demographic factors jointly predicted life satisfaction (F (1, 1007) =4.61, p<.001). Age and marital status also interacted to predict life satisfaction (β=-0.13, t=-3.58, p<.01; β = -0.08, t=1.98, p<.05). The interaction effect of social demographic factors should be considered in a comprehensive examination of subjective wellbeing.


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DOI: https://doi.org/10.5296/ijssr.v5i1.11009

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