An Investigation of the Self-Perceived Well-Being Determinants: Empirical Evidence From Qatar

Abstract

This article contributes to the limited well-being literature on the Gulf region by investigating the state of self-perceived well-being and its determinants in Qatar using data from the 2010 wave of the World Values Survey. We examine multiple indicators of well-being by using the self-rated state of health and the Seligman PERMA (Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment) model while controlling for other confounding variables. An ordered Probit model is estimated to account for the ordinal nature of the well-being indicators. Results show that an individual’s demographic factors, socioeconomic status, degree of religiosity, employment status, and confidence level in the governmental institutions are key determinants of the level of self-perceived well-being in Qatar. Results also show some regional differences in the level of well-being across the Qatari cities. Increasing the level of well-being in Qatar and narrowing the demographic, socioeconomic, and regional disparities requires a multifaceted approach by targeting the vulnerable groups.