Well-being and activity-based models

Abstract

We present empirical and theoretical analyses to investigate the relationship between happiness (or subjective well-being) and activity participation and develop a framework for using well-being data to enhance activity-based travel demand models. The overriding hypothesis is that activities are planned and undertaken to satisfy needs so as to maintain or enhance subjective well-being. The empirical analysis consists of the development of a structural equations exploratory model of activity participation and happiness using data from a cross-sectional survey of a sample of commuters. The model reveals significant correlations between happiness and behavior for different types of activities: higher propensity of activity participation is associated with greater activity happiness and greater satisfaction with travel to the activity. The theoretical analysis consists of the development of a modeling framework and measures for the incorporation of well-being within activity-based travel demand models. The motivation is that activity pattern models have been specified in ad-hoc ways in practice as a function of mobility, lifestyle, and accessibility variables. We postulate that well-being is the ultimate goal of activity patterns which are driven by needs and propose two extensions of activity pattern models. The first extension consists of the use of well-being measures as indicators of the utility of activity patterns (in addition to the usual choice indicators) within a random utility modeling framework. The second extension models conceptually the behavioral process of activity generation based on needs satisfaction. We present an example of an operational activity pattern model and propose well-being measures for enhancing it.

Making time count: Traveler activity engagement on urban transit

“…The attitudes regarding travel for drivers versus transit users should be compared side by side, since these figures suggest transit users see travel less as a waste of time than drivers. The growing literature on satisfaction with travel and subjective well-being argues that these measures and their interaction with activity participation should be evaluated alongside transport and land use policies that seek to reduce travel time and congestion (Ettema et al, 2011;Abou-Zeid and Ben-Akiva, 2012).…”

Let Them See You Sweat: Integrating Yoga and Well-Being

“…One can feel like a fish out of water when beginning yoga-everything is different and can be slightly uncomfortable to start-the clothes are fitted, one's feet are exposed, you will need: a hair tie, a good, non-slip yoga mat, some water, a towel (for the sweat), and a flexible notion of personal space as between you and the next sweaty breather there may be just a few small inches. Group yoga classes create bonding & community [10,16,22] based on the human need to affiliate, to be part of a group, and to participate in enjoyable activity regardless of the inconvenience of necessary travel [1]. Similar to exercise, solo practice may support certain increased physical benefits [9], yet neither on-line nor private yoga compares to being in-person and present with others.…”

A Subjective Well-being Evaluation of Public Transport Users During Travel and Activities: Application of Day Reconstruction Method (Drm) Concept

“…For example, the act of walking for transport, bicycling, or walking to transit as form of physical wellbeing such as health and social interaction with the environment which has contribute also into mental wellbeing such as minimize stress and negative mood [16,17]. From perspective of mental well-being, travel congestion and lower transport service of travel will contribute to high mental stress and reducing individuals' happiness [18].…”