The Quality of Life in Croatia – the Connection between Subjective and Objective Indicators as well as Temperament and Demographic Variables with a Reference to Minority Status

Abstract

The objective of this study was to establish predictability of different demographic and psychological variables as well as some indicators of health and socioeconomic status on general life satisfaction and satisfaction with specific domains of life. Life satisfaction was measured with Quality of Life Scale, dimensions of temperament with Pavlovian temperament survey and demographic variables, health and socioeconomic status indicators with general data questionnaire on a sample of 251 subjects. In order to encompass participants of diverse ethnic affiliation in Croatia the sample included Croats and the members of four minority groups: Serbian, Italian, Czech and Slovenian. Significant predictors accounted for 15% variance of general life satisfaction, and satisfaction with life in the past year, while the percentage for specific domains of life satisfaction varied from 2 to 30%. There were no significant differences between these groups in general life satisfaction, and there was only one statistically significant difference for satisfaction with specific life domains: the members of the majority group were less satisfied with society in which they live and rights they have than the members of the minority groups.

Keywords

• quality of life
• satisfaction
• objective indicators
• temperament
• demographic variables
• national minorities