Income and Life Satisfaction of Russian Consumers: the Role of Dietary Perceptions

This study is aimed to examine the role of dietary perception on income and life satisfaction of individuals. The empirical testing of hypotheses regarding individual dietary perceptions and its correlation with life satisfaction level and income were based on a panel data of 23-27 Rounds of The Russia Longitudinal Monitoring Survey - Higher School of Economics (RLMS-HSE). The analysis is based on the estimation of life satisfaction level and dietary perceptions, and further relationship between them. Such variables as regularity of food consumption, BMI (body mass index), following a diet with the aim to improve health, and frequency of eating outdoors are analyzed. Also, the relationship with individual (age, gender, income, employment), regional (living in the city or in rural areas) and lifestyle (sports activity, smoking and alcohol consumption) control variables is investigated. The analysis showed positive relationship between dietary perceptions and life satisfaction level. Hypothesis on the relationship between dietary perceptions and income wasn’t supported and was discussed in the context of potential future research of the question. The results can potentially be used by policymakers, individuals, psychologists who aims to increase life satisfaction level in Russia.