Assessing mediators in the relationship between commute time and subjective well being: a structural equation analysis

摘要

This study aims to identify and empirically assess the various pathways through which commute time may influence subjective well-being. Based on a literature review possible pathways and their underlying mechanisms are identified. A structural equation model is specified to assess the relative strengths of these pathways. Commuting mode (car and bicycle) is taken into account as a moderating variable. Data to estimate the models (N=1,106) are drawn from the Longitudinal Internet Studies for the Social sciences (LISS) panel, a representative sample of Dutch individuals. The results of the analysis indicate that, insofar as there is an effect of commute time on subjective well-being (only for bicycle commuters could a significant effect be established), this effect is likely mediated by a person's satisfaction with his/her social contacts. No effects were found between commute time and perceived health, BMI and job satisfaction, even though such effects have been reported in previous studies. Additionally, commuting mode (car or bicycle) itself also had no effect on any of the endogenous variables (except for BMI). Contrasting previous research, the results indicate that, at least for the Dutch population, commuting patterns (mode and commute time) matter little in how people subjectively evaluate various aspects of their life. From a practical point of view, the results of the analysis do not warrant policy intervention. In addition, insofar as policy intervention is desirable, (extreme) commute behavior should be addressed as a social and not as a health problem.