Satisfaction with life and crime: testing the link

Abstract

This study tests the hypothesis that higher perceptions of satisfaction with life (SWL) are related to lower engagement in crime and deviance. The results can inform prevention, intervention, and policy efforts based on deterrence, general strain, and restorative justice within the criminal and juvenile justice systems. Using a sample of students at two Pennsylvania universities, data were collected using a paper-based, self-reported survey that included measures for their perceptions of SWL, feelings of strain, and engagement in past acts of deviance and crime. Data analysis included independent samples T-tests and logistic regression estimates. Results of the t-tests supported the hypothesis for nine of 16 acts of deviance/crime. Logistic regression models supported the hypothesis, with SWL having significant associations alone, and with SWL eliminating the relationship to strain alone when SWL covaried with strain. Based on these results, the study offers recommendations to further test the satisfaction with life-crime link, to incorporate SWL interventions into the criminal justice system, and to study SWL interventions for evidence of success.

Seeing the Harm to Happiness: Integrating Satisfaction With Life Into Restorative Practices

“…We indicated above that the research into demographic association with SWL has demonstrated that demographic factors do not consistently associate with reported global SWL (Diener et al, 2003;Olson et al, 2020). Perhaps with the exception of income, there are no consistent results for an association between demographics and satisfaction in life domains (Huebner et al, 2000;Martikainen, 2009;Paiva et al, 2009).…”

“…For simplicity, we retain satisfaction with life or SWL hereafter. Olson et al (2020 p. 3) described SWL asthe extent to which a person feels satisfaction with the conditions of their life. It is determined by reflection on the social, historical, and collective experiences that each person has had in life (Argyle, 1987; Martikainen, 2009; Tang & Chan, 2017).…”

“…Improving SWL can be important, as higher SWL has been associated with prosocial behaviors such as problem-solving, asset building, and work performance (Fredrickson, 2001; Fredrickson & Joiner, 2002; Park et al, 2004; Tugade & Fredrickson, 2004). It has also been associated with avoidance or recovery from antisocial behaviors such as delinquency, drug use, and bullying (Estevez et al, 2009; Laudet et al, 2009; Maccagnan et al, 2019; MacDonald et al, 2005; Moore et al, 2012; Olson et al, 2020; Suldo & Huebner, 2004).…”

“…Writers have begun to debate the inclusion of a happiness perspective in risk–needs–responsivity assessments (Andrews et al, 2011; Birgden, 2009; Ward et al, 2012; Wormith et al, 2012) and in restorative justice (Walgrave et al, 2021). In addition, researchers are finding associations between happiness and crime (MacDonald et al, 2005; Olson et al, 2020; Suldo & Huebner, 2004). The present article continues the discussion about integrating happiness into one of the areas of interest to American criminal justice, restorative justice.…”

Positive Criminology and Positive Psychology

“…Resilience, in turn, has been linked to lower reports of criminal deviance (Buonanno et al, 2009;Burt et al, 2017). Satisfaction with life has also been linked to abstinence, recovery, and remission from substance use (Donohue et al, 2003;Laudet et al, 2009;Maccagnan et al, 2020) and with lower reports of crime engagement (MacDonald et al, 2005;Olson et al, 2020;Valois et al, 2001Valois et al, , 2006. Still, much work remains for the two positives.…”