Is life course socioeconomic position associated with current self-rated health and happiness: results of World Values Survey 2018 for Türkiye

Abstract

Abstract Background Health and happiness are fundamental components of well-being, shaped by socioeconomic determinants across the life course. This study investigates the association of life course socioeconomic position (SEP)-encompassing childhood/origin SEP, current adulthood SEP and intergenerational social mobility-, with current self-rated health (SRH) and happiness in the Turkish population. Methods Using cross-sectional data from the 7th wave of the World Values Survey for Türkiye ( n = 1694), sex-stratified analysis were conducted. Age, educational attainment, income level, and social class were assessed for participants and their parents. These direct indicators of childhood and adult socioeconomic position were used to derive intergenerational social mobility measures. The primary outcome variables were self-rated health (SRH) and happiness. Bivariate chi-square tests and multivariate logistic regression models were utilized to examine bivariate and adjusted relationships, respectively. Results In bivariate analyses, childhood and adult educational indicators were significantly associated with both SRH and happiness. However, in multivariate regression models adjusted for income and class components, the independent effect of education was largely attenuated. For poor SRH, the strongest independent determinant was current low income among women (OR = 2.93, 95%CI: 1.30–6.64), whereas downward income mobility was the key predictor among men (OR = 2.77, 95% CI: 1.84–4.18). For unhappiness, multivariate models revealed that women in the lowest current income tier had markedly higher odds (OR = 7.26, 95%CI: 2.16–24.43). For men, belonging to the lowest current social class was the strongest determinant of unhappiness (OR = 3.12, 95% CI: 1.34–7.24), followed by downward income mobility (OR = 1.74, CI: 1.07–2.83). Conclusion Using a life-course approach, this study demonstrates that adult income and social class exert a primary influence on health and happiness, overshadowing the standalone effect of education. The observed life-course trajectories are deeply gendered. Interventions addressing health inequalities must prioritize reducing current income inequalities and removing structural gender barriers throughout life.