Stressful and potentially traumatic life events and satisfaction with life among Norwegian adults: cross-sectional results from the seventh survey of the Tromsø study.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the association between interpersonal and impersonal stressful and potentially traumatic life events (SLEs/PTEs) and satisfaction with life (SWL), and to assess the extent to which this relationship is mediated by mental distress, somatic health and social factors.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

SETTING

Population-based study in Tromsø, Norway.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 21 069 adults aged ≥40 years from the seventh wave of the Tromsø Study (mean age 57.3 years).

PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURE: SWL measured using the Satisfaction With Life Scale-3.

METHODS

Linear regression analyses and structural equation modelling (SEM) were used to examine associations between SLEs/PTEs and SWL and to assess direct and indirect effects via mental distress, somatic health, cohabitation status, perceived social support and self-reliance.

RESULTS

Both interpersonal (B = -0.11, p<0.001) and impersonal SLEs/PTEs (B = -0.05, p<0.001) were significantly associated with lower SWL. SEM analyses indicated that SLEs/PTEs had both direct negative effects on SWL (interpersonal SLE/PTE: B = -0.15, p<0.001, impersonal SLE/PTE: B = -0.06, p<0.001) and indirect effects through mental distress, somatic health, living with a partner, having friends to confide in and self-reliance.

CONCLUSIONS

Exposure to SLEs/PTEs is associated with reduced life satisfaction, with both direct and indirect pathways via mental and somatic health and social support. Interpersonal SLEs/PTEs appear to have a stronger negative impact on SWL than impersonal events.