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Echoes of well-being in city: Exploring the accumulation of activity episode well-being and day-level well-being of residents

Zidan Mao,Fangyu Liu,Ying Zhao

Published 2026 in Urban studies

ABSTRACT

Current research extensively examines the relationship between geographical environment, spatio-temporal activities, and subjective well-being. However, how well-being accumulates across different temporal scales remains unclear. Based on activity diary data collected from intercity commuters in the city of Zhongshan in China, this study analyzes the accumulation process of subjective well-being from the activity episode level to the day level. The findings reveal that: (1) activity episode well-being (ESW) is influenced by both activity types and spatial contexts, while day-level well-being (DSW) is mainly affected by the type of activities conducted in the day; notably, the impact of travel on activity episode well-being is opposite to that on day-level well-being; (2) in general, the accumulation from ESW to DSW follows the average rule; and (3) considering different mobility patterns among residents, the accumulation from ESW to DSW for the fixed mobility group adheres to a “begin–end” rule, whereas for the flexible mobility group it follows a “peak (low)–end” rule. These findings establish a dialogue between geography and psychology in the field of residents’ well-being, contributing to a deeper understanding of the factors influencing and processes shaping different temporal scales of subjective well-being among urban residents. They offer valuable insights for more refined urban health planning and governance in the future.

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