Beyond the diploma: a subjective perspective on the effects of education on well-being
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51302/tce.2026.24619Keywords:
educational satisfaction, subjective well-being, life satisfaction, psychological functioning, age, social support, structural equation modeling, moderating effectsAbstract
This study explores the relationship between educational satisfaction and subjective well-being in the Spanish population, using data from the European Quality of Life Survey (EQLS). Unlike previous studies focused solely on the level of educational attainment, this research adopts a subjective perspective that considers individuals' perceptions of their educational experience. Using structural equation modeling (SEM), the study analyzes two dimensions of subjective well-being: life satisfaction and psychological functioning. The results show that educational satisfaction is positively associated with both dimensions of well-being, even after controlling for sociodemographic variables such as employment status and income. Although age and perceived social support were examined as potential moderating variables in this relationship, no significant interaction effects were found. These findings highlight the importance of assessing educational experience from a subjective perspective and call for expanding well-being research frameworks to include emotional and cognitive indicators linked to education. The study offers relevant implications for the design of education policies focused on well-being across the life course.
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