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 screening tests on LuriaLab
Related glossary terms
Preguntas frecuentes
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.