Date of Award

January 2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Public Health (MPH)

Department

School of Public Health

First Advisor

Emily Wang

Abstract

Life satisfaction—an individual’s overall evaluation of their life, including their feelings and attitudes toward it—has been linked to a range of psychological and physical health outcomes. While numerous studies have examined the factors associated with life satisfaction across various populations, such as healthy young and older adults, limited research has focused on individuals with substance use disorders or those involved in the criminal justice system. This study explored the relationship between psychosocial and structural factors and life satisfaction among justice-involved individuals with a history of opioid use disorder. Using cross-sectional survey data from a sample of 372 participants, I conducted both bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses to examine factors associated with life satisfaction. Older age, lower levels of perceived discrimination, receipt of medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) were associated with higher odds of reporting high life satisfaction. In the multivariable logistic regression model, age, discrimination, social support, and MOUD remained significant predictors. Higher levels of social support were associated with lower odds of reporting high life satisfaction, suggesting a more complex relationship between support and well-being within this population. These findings underscore the importance of considering the quality, context, and dynamics of social relationships when assessing life satisfaction among marginalized populations. Implications for future research are discussed.

Comments

This thesis is restricted to Yale network users only. It will be made publicly available on 06/16/2026

Download

Share

COinS