The indirect effect of travel mode use on subjective well-being through out-of-home activities

Abstract The issue of the effects travel on subjective well-being (SWB) has recently attracted increasing interest in transport studies. A common finding is that affects SWB indirectly through out-of-home activities. However, little known about how to operationalize this relationship. In study, we proposed a conceptual model and estimated structural equation models relating mode use activities with multiple dimensions, including affective components (positive affect negative affect) cognitive (belongingness, achievement, confidence coping). We used data from national mobility project Japan (N = 13,000) estimate postulated models. found while public enhanced SWB, it also had effect SWB. Car affected more complex pattern; promoted by enabling leisure but reduced dimensions belongingness achievement shopping Active modes did not have clear SWB; for example, walking school was associated increased belongingness, whereas negatively influenced belongingness. Other contributing factors, such as COVID-19 worry, car access, ‘going-out’ problem-solving style, were influence Overall, our study showed varied different modes, thereby revealing indirect via Suggestions shaping policies towards are discussed.