Well-being is a multi-dimensional concept that spans a variety of life domains and time scales, affected by variable determinants across the life course. As such, it eludes simple analytical frameworks and calls for an integrated perspective. Data limitations, however, significantly constrain empirical analyses. The relationship between subjective and objective well-being measures is also difficult to analyse in the absence of retrospective information on individual histories and prospective information reflecting expectations for the future, all of which bear upon a broad interpretation. Against this background, we propose a step-change in the analysis of well-being and associated inequalities by using dynamic microsimulation methods to augment existing data sources. Preliminary analysis of interrelationships between individual well-being and a range of life aspects – including work, family, and health – will be of stand-alone interest in addition to being the basis for the integration of well-being indicators in a new dynamic microsimulation model. This model will allow us to generate in silico complete life-course trajectories from existing survey data accommodating specific spheres of life and the use of time with insights from multiple disciplines including economics, demography, psychology, public health, epidemiology and sociology.

We will rely on our innovative microsimulation method to analyse the distributional dynamics of well-being over the life cycle for five European countries, reflective of diverse welfare regimes: Germany (conservative), United Kingdom (liberal), Spain (Mediterranean), Poland (post-Communist) and Sweden (Nordic). We will explore how well-being is affected by aggregate and individual crises, distinguishing between personal shocks and macro-economic events.

WELLSIM will advance the literature on well-being and associated fields while the open-source release of the modelling tools, together with detailed documentation and training material, will inspire further research. It involves an extended network of 16 national and international Associate Partners including government representatives, health, education and social services and other relevant organisations across the political spectrum. In collaboration with them, WELLSIM will assess the efficacy of policy interventions designed to enhance the resilience of individual and social well-being to considered crises.

Figure 1: SimPaths model structure. In red: additions envisaged for WELLSIM

KEYWORDS:

life course, microsimulation, mental health, work, family, tax-benefit policies, welfare, resilience.