Singaporeans less happy with quality of life than 5 years ago, ‘excitement’ ranks lowest priority: survey
- Singaporeans had enjoyed life less and felt a decreased sense of achievement from 2016 to 2022, the NUS survey shows
- While there is a correlation between high incomes and happiness, it is not always the case, according to the survey
Singaporeans are less happy today compared to five years ago, although those who have a more balanced view of life were generally more satisfied, a survey by the National University of Singapore (NUS) found.
The 2022 Quality of Life survey also found that from 2016 to 2022, Singaporeans have enjoyed life less, and have felt a decreased sense of achievement, control and purpose.
The survey polled 1,905 Singaporeans aged between 21 and 79 from June to July 2022. It is the third and latest edition of a longitudinal study, with earlier editions done in 2011 and 2016.
The mean satisfaction rating with one’s overall quality of life was 4.38 in 2022, compared with 4.81 in 2016 and 4.83 in 2011 - with a higher index indicating a higher satisfaction level.
The NUS researchers acknowledged the impact that the Covid-19 pandemic could have on the well-being of Singaporeans and asked respondents to reflect on the last two years of the pandemic – between mid-2020 and mid-2022 – as they answered the questions in the 2022 survey.
