Singaporeans satisfaction with life declines

They are most dissatisfied with their household income and standard of living, amongst others.

Singaporeans were "generally satisfied with their lives" and felt that they had the things important to them in 2022 but this has declined compared to 2016, according to the latest survey by the National University of Singapore Business School.

The survey was published in the book "Happiness and Wellbeing in Singapore — Beyond Economic Prosperity" authored by Associate Professor Siok Kuan Tambyah, Honorary Fellow Tan Soo Jiuan, and PhD student Yuen Wei Lun.

The 2022 Quality of Life Survey, found that the average score of satisfaction with life was at 3.92, lower than the 4.29 recorded in the 2016 survey.

Meanwhile, in satisfaction with the overall quality of life in 2022, measured using a scale of 1 to 6, with a higher score equivalent to a greater degree of satisfaction based on 15 life domains, Singaporeans posted an average of 4.38, lower than the 4.81 and 4.83 in 2016 and 2011, respectively.

In terms of domains, Singaporeans were most satisfied with their relationships with children, parents and siblings, marriage or romantic relationships, and spiritual lives.

They were most dissatisfied with their household incomes, the standard of living, health, and relationships with neighbours and jobs.

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Households with monthly incomes of less than $1,000 were the most “unhappy,” whilst those who earn $17,500 to $19,999 were the happiest.

Based on the Cantril Ladder which reflects their cognitive evaluation of their lives using a 10-point scale, with 10 as the best possible life, Singaporeans in 2022 reported a score of 5.99, not meeting the 2016 expectations five years later which means a "significant decline in cognitive wellbeing."

Singaporeans remain hopeful by 2027 with an average of 6.45.

Despite this, Singapore ranked 25th amongst 137 countries in the World Happiness Report 2023.

The study surveyed 1,905 Singapore citizens aged 21 years old and older.