Commute and built environment: What matters for subjective well-being in a household context?

Much of prior research has shown a growing interest in determinants of subjective well-being (SWB). However, relatively less research has explored the causal effects of commute and built environment (BE) on SWB, and there is little knowledge regarding how these connections differ between household members. The study examines both cross-sectional and longitudinal connections between commute, BE, and SWB, as well as the variations in these connections between couples, by analyzing longitudinal survey data of dual-earner households from Chinese cities. The results indicate that the increase in commute duration results in lower SWB. Shifting to active modes is shown to increase SWB. Nonetheless, shifting in the opposite direction shows no significant effect. All BE changes are correlated with the husbands' SWB changes, whereas only changes in neighborhood categories and neighborhood density appear to matter for wives. The findings indicate that planning strategies can complement transport policies aimed at enhancing SWB. • The study examines both cross-sectional and longitudinal connections between commute, BE, and SWB. • The increase in commute duration leads to declined SWB. • Shifting to active modes is shown to increase SWB. • Husbands' SWB is more sensitive to changes in BE. • There are variations in the determinants of SWB between couples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]