AUTHOR=Rasmussen Mette , Santini Ziggi Ivan , Joshanloo Mohsen , Petersen Christina Bjørk , Christensen Anne Illemann 

TITLE=Determinants of Life Satisfaction and Mental Wellbeing in the Danish General Population: Shared and Distinct Associations

JOURNAL=International Journal of Public Health

VOLUME=Volume 70 - 2025

YEAR=2025

URL=https://www.ssph-journal.org/journals/international-journal-of-public-health/articles/10.3389/ijph.2025.1608531

DOI=10.3389/ijph.2025.1608531

ISSN=1661-8564

ABSTRACT=ObjectiveTo examine the correlation between two wellbeing components: life satisfaction and mental wellbeing and identify key determinants (sociodemographic, health, behavioural, social).MethodsThis cross-sectional study used data from 10,196 adults from the nationally representative Danish National Health Survey 2023. Main outcomes were self-reported life satisfaction measured on a single-item scale from 0–10 and mental wellbeing by the short version of the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale (SWEMWBS). Correlations were examined using Spearman’s rho (ρ) and Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r). Linear regression models estimated associations between key determinants and the outcomes.ResultsThe two outcomes were strongly correlated, yet remained distinct. Wellbeing scores were similar across sex, age, ethnicity, education, employment, BMI, tobacco, and alcohol use. Scores varied by marital status, financial strain, self-rated health, chronic illness, physical activity, loneliness, stress, anxiety, and depression risk. Associations with pain, sleep quality, social support, and leisure activities were mixed.ConclusionDespite a strong correlation discriminant validity was maintained. Wellbeing outcomes should not be treated as interchangeable, as their associations vary across population groups.