Though many studies show that satisfaction in life can improve cognitive function, a new study showed that’s not the case for all people. Even if they are satisfied, they may not get a cognitive boost from it.
Leading a fulfilling life may make us more apt to partake in behavior that’s good for our health. Satisfaction with one’s life has been associated with better cognitive function. But researchers from the Boston University School of Public Health say life satisfaction is less beneficial for people who are in poor health, have a lower socioeconomic status or are going through mental health challenges. The study was published in the December 2023 issue of SSM – Mental Health.
“Our results indicate that the health benefit of experiencing high life satisfaction may be smaller among socially marginalized groups, so further research is needed to ensure potential interventions have equitable health impacts,” Koichiro Shiba, PhD, an assistant professor of epidemiology at BUSPH and lead author, said in a statement.
Shiba’s team used a machine-learning method to evaluate survey data on life satisfaction and cognitive function. Data came from more than 15,000 adults over the age of 50 in the UK and the US. It was collected between 2010 and 2016.
People with high socioeconomic status, fewer pre-existing health issues and better mental health — about half of those surveyed — experienced health-promoting effects from life satisfaction. Therefore, the scientists think physical, socioeconomic and mental health obstacles may override any positive cognitive benefits that come with satisfaction in life. Life satisfaction could boost cognitive functioning by encouraging people to stay active, for example, but exercise isn’t achievable if a person isn’t in good health and able to exercise, or if they don’t have the access to a space for it.
People may have adverse life effects but still be satisfied due to something called response shift, the authors said. That’s when a person adjusts how they view the quality of their lives when they deal with challenging circumstances that deteriorate their health. Their standard of what a good quality of life is may shift so they can stay mentally strong, the authors said.
