Life satisfaction is a significant element of subjective well-being, as it represents a person's overall perception of their quality of life. Life satisfaction is a salient indicator of well-being, particularly throughout young adulthood, with urban and rural environments offering distinct advantages and challenges that shape residents' well-being. So, the primary objective of the research was to determine the role of socio-demographic factors in life satisfaction among young adults in India.
To carry out the proposed aim of the study, a sample of 600 young Assamese adults between the age of 18-40 years (Mean = 25.54; SD= 4.33) residing in one of the North-East states of India i.e., Assam (districts- Tinsukia, Dibrugarh, Sibsagar, Jorhat) participated in the study. A random sampling technique was used to collect data using a standardized scale such as the Satisfaction with Life Scale (Diener et al., 1985). The socio-demographic variables, such as gender, cultural drinking habit (drinking for a particular social gathering), educational qualification, geographical location (urban-rural), and family income, were included. The factors, such as geographical location and family income, were self-identified by the respondent. To analyze the collected data and to compare the differences among the groups, ANOVA was used.
The findings revealed significant differences in four socio-demographic characteristics: females scored significantly higher life satisfaction than males, participants who did not drink had higher life satisfaction, respondents with higher family income had higher life satisfaction, and participants who had completed a master's degree had high life satisfaction, whereas participants from urban or rural areas had no significant difference on life satisfaction.
Life satisfaction can be influenced by a variety of facets, including gender, income, educational qualification, and cultural drinking. So, understanding this impact is imperative for reducing inequalities and increasing well-being among different populations.