Research on How Family Size and Bonds Affect Happiness

A research study published in the 2025 World Happiness Report looked at how the number of people in a household and their relationships affect how happy people feel.

The research found that people who live with others, especially in households with around 4 people, are often happier than those who live alone.

Even though people living alone might be more satisfied with their money, they often feel lonelier and less happy overall because they miss out on family time and emotional support. However, people in very big households might not be as happy either, maybe because it’s harder to manage money or have enough personal space.

Also, single-parent households often report less happiness, mostly because of fewer strong family connections and lower economic satisfaction.

These patterns were seen in both Mexico and Europe.

Understanding the Research 

A household isn’t just a place to live — it’s where people spend time together, care for each other, and share their lives. These close relationships can help people feel more satisfied and happy.

In this study, researchers used survey data from Mexico and several countries in Europe. Their main question was: Are people happier when they live alone or with others — and how many others?

Here’s what they found: 

• People are happiest when they live with 4 to 5 people. The relationship between household size and happiness forms an “inverted U-shape.” That means happiness rises as the household grows, peaks at 4 or 5 people, and then drops again in very small or very large households.
• People who live alone often feel less happy, especially in Europe. In fact, in Europe, people living alone had an average happiness score of 6.6, while people in 5-person households scored around 7.5.
• In Mexico, people who live alone are less happy too, but not as much. (This is probably because being alone feels less lonely if you have nearby friends or family.)
• Couples in Mexico who have children are the most common and happiest group (average life satisfaction = 8.6). Couples without kids and couples living with extended family are also fairly happy.
• Europe has more single-person households (24%) compared to Mexico (11%). Couples without kids are also more common. Those who live with a partner, whether they have kids or not, tend to feel the happiest overall.

Practical Strategies for Parents and Caregivers

When you understand how household size and structure can affect happiness, you can make positive changes to your home life. Below, we share tips that can make a difference for your family: 

Create a balance between alone time and family time

Spending time with others, especially family, is key to happiness, but remember that alone time is just as important for recharging. Set aside time for personal reflection or hobbies, and encourage your family to do the same! 

Build positive relationships with extended family or close friends

As we’ve learned, people living in smaller households or alone may feel a greater sense of loneliness. A great tip to help bridge this gap would be to create strong connections with extended family or close friends.

However, even if you don’t have a large family or live far from relatives, creating your own chosen family — through close friendships or even online communities — can provide the emotional support you need. 

Make time for open conversations

Communication boosts happiness in families. Whether you’re living in a household of four or five people, or just a couple with one child, or single parent with one or more children, open and honest conversations help build trust.

Let everyone know that they share their feelings, needs, and concerns regularly.

Prioritize quality family time

Unlike casual or passive time spent together (like watching TV or eating dinner while distracted), intentional family time is about being present and fully involved.

You can have family game nights, do meal prep together, or go on nature walks. The goal here is to strengthen your family bond.The authors are also saying that households are more than “economic units.” They’re spaces where we can build relationships that can support our happiness.

If you’re looking for ways to support your child’s mental health and build meaningful family bonds, check out our full collection of mental health worksheets and handouts.