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Does Subjective Health Affect the Association between Biodiversity and Quality of Life? Insights from International Data

Author

Listed:
  • Suzanne M. Skevington

    (University of Manchester)

  • Richard Emsley

    (University of Manchester
    Kings College London)

  • Svenja Dehner

    (University of Bath
    University Hospital Jena)

  • Ian Walker

    (University of Bath)

  • Stuart E. Reynolds

    (University of Bath)

Abstract

Global health may depend upon biodiversity (BD) for well-being, but evaluation is challenging, as cross-cultural data is scarce. International models of the association between biodiversity (BD) and quality of life (QoL), examined whether subjective health is a mediating factor. The biophilia hypothesis was evaluated. Multi-Level Mediation Analysis modelled adult data (N = 3511) from 15 countries. Subjective QoL was assessed in six WHOQOL SRPB domains, and subjective health rated. Four area-independent indicators of plant and animal BD were estimated. Poverty (HDI education) was a covariate. Biodiversity was strongly, positively associated with QoL, but subjective health was not a significant mediator in any model. Although spiritual QoL showed best fit, confirming the hypothesis, social, psychological, and independence models were also significant. From nine spiritual components, QoL from hope and optimism showed the strongest model. Furthermore, only hope correlated moderately, positively with BD in mammals, and ferns. This is the first major international study in this field. When judging QoL in relation to BD, people do not take into account whether their health is good or poor. The exclusive biophilia focus on spiritual QoL is unwarranted, deserving a broader multi-dimensional approach. Global policy and the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment are addressed.

Suggested Citation

  • Suzanne M. Skevington & Richard Emsley & Svenja Dehner & Ian Walker & Stuart E. Reynolds, 2019. "Does Subjective Health Affect the Association between Biodiversity and Quality of Life? Insights from International Data," Applied Research in Quality of Life, Springer;International Society for Quality-of-Life Studies, vol. 14(5), pages 1315-1331, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:ariqol:v:14:y:2019:i:5:d:10.1007_s11482-018-9649-5
    DOI: 10.1007/s11482-018-9649-5
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Sandifer, Paul A. & Sutton-Grier, Ariana E. & Ward, Bethney P., 2015. "Exploring connections among nature, biodiversity, ecosystem services, and human health and well-being: Opportunities to enhance health and biodiversity conservation," Ecosystem Services, Elsevier, vol. 12(C), pages 1-15.
    2. Bowden, Annabel & Fox-Rushby, Julia A., 2003. "A systematic and critical review of the process of translation and adaptation of generic health-related quality of life measures in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, South America," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 57(7), pages 1289-1306, October.
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