Predictors of family happiness in the COVID-19 pandemic : a cross-sectional study in Hong Kong

Abstract

Numerous research studies have reported that COVID-19 adversely affects individual mental well-being, but studies on the effect of the pandemic on family well-being have been sparse. Given that happiness is an essential determinant of quality of life, we examined the predictors of family happiness during COVID-19 in this study based on a convenience sampling of 2,971 Hong Kong residents between April 2021 and March 2022. Results showed that those between 35 and 54 years were happier than those between 19 and 34. Family happiness correlated with age, individual happiness, family solidarity, family resources, family mental health, and the COVID-19 impact. Individual happiness and family factors also consistently predicted family happiness regardless of the severity of the pandemic. Findings suggest that individual happiness and several family factors shape family happiness. Fostering supportive measures and care within families is essential to improve family happiness.