Title
COMMUTE LENGTH, COMMUTE SATISFACTION, AND LIFE SATISFACTION: A METAANALYSIS
Author ORCID Identifier
Document Type
Poster
Publication Date
6-1-2019
Abstract
Purpose The amount of time workers spend commuting continues to increase across the globe. The purpose of this study was to conduct a meta-analysis in order to examine the relationship between commute length, commute satisfaction, and life satisfaction. Methodology Twenty-six primary studies on the relationships between commute length, commute satisfaction, and/or life satisfaction were included in this study. Results Results indicated a significant negative relationship between commute length and life satisfaction (r = -.13, p < .01), between commute length and commute satisfaction (r= -.25, p < .01), and between commute satisfaction, and life satisfaction (r= 0.24, p < .01). Tests of a meta-analytic mediation model revealed that long commutes negatively impact life satisfaction by impacting commute satisfaction (r = -.06, p <.01). Limitations An important limitation of this study is the possibility of unmeasured confounding variables (e.g, socio-economic status). Research/Practical Implications Future research should examine the effects of commute length on life satisfaction with stronger longitudinal and experimental designs and should also assess what aspects of commuting (i.e. mode of commute, activities engaged in while commuting, commute stress, and flexibility/timing of commute) can mitigate the effects of commute length on commute satisfaction and life satisfaction. Our research can also be used to inform government initiatives on transportation and affordable housing, relevant organizational policies, and employees’ commute-related decisions. Originality/Value This study provides a clearer understanding of whether and why commute length impacts life satisfaction
Recommended Citation
Boemerman, L.*, Kuykendall, L., Wong, C., & Zhu, Z. (2018, May). Commute length, commute satisfaction, and life satisfaction: A meta-analysis. Poster presented at the European Association of Work and Organizational Psychology Congress, Turin, Italy. http://www.eawop.org/past-congresses
Comments
Poster presented at the European Association of Work and Organizational Psychology Congress, Turin, Italy