A causal inference approach to life satisfaction and outcome-wide health

Project Summary

The biopsychosocial model of health emphasizes the importance of patients’ well-being in determining their physical health outcomes. Subjective well-being (SWB), including life satisfaction, has been linked to a myriad of health benefits including longevity and lower risk of disease. Previous studies on the relationship between life satisfaction and health rely on non-causal inference, and thus the jury is still out on whether greater subjective well-being actually leads to better health outcomes. This study will use the CLSA longitudinal survey with over 50,000 participants to determine whether there is a causal relationship between life satisfaction and outcome-wide health. Findings will demonstrate the potential economic benefits of implementing well-being interventions on a national level and could support evidence-backed policies to improve well-being and reduce the healthcare burden.