Subjective Health and Subjective Well-Being (The Case of EU Countries)

Abstract

Article presents the concept of subjective health in the context of the structure of subjective well-being. We emphasize the structural link between satisfaction with health as a life domain and satisfaction with a life as a whole within cognitive part of subjective well-being. To explain the link between life satisfaction as a whole and satisfaction with health we apply Needs Conceptual Model of Subjective Well-Being and bottom-up approach. We recognize that objective life domains—life circumstances are mirrored and evaluated by human consciousness. The more or less favourable objective life circumstances are, the better or worse is the satisfaction with them by an individual. From the very general perspective, in empirical part of the article, we present both objective and subjective health situation and the life satisfaction in EU countries. We use Eurostat and European Values Survey data. Satisfaction of needs leads to increased level of subjective weal-being. When objective health by an individual is being compared to the certain standard, it fits in to the system of overall satisfaction with life. It means that the whole process starts at the point of objective health and ends at the point of life satisfaction.