Life Satisfaction

Life satisfaction is your overall cognitive evaluation of how your life is going compared with your own standards and expectations.

Definition

Life satisfaction is a core component of subjective wellbeing. It reflects a global judgment about your life rather than momentary mood. It is influenced by relationships, health, purpose, and circumstances. The Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) is a brief, widely used measure.

What it can feel like

  • Feeling your life is close to your ideal.
  • Being satisfied with major life domains.
  • Sensing progress toward meaningful goals.
  • Or, when low, feeling that important needs are unmet.

Related glossary terms

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Is life satisfaction the same as happiness?

They are related but distinct. Happiness often refers to momentary emotion, while life satisfaction is a broader evaluation of life overall.

What does the SWLS measure?

The SWLS is a 5-item scale measuring global life satisfaction, scored from 5 to 35 with established interpretation bands.

Sources

  • Diener E, et al. Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS)
  • World Happiness Report — wellbeing measures

Last reviewed: 2026-07-02. Screening tools on LuriaLab are for education only and do not provide a diagnosis.