Bridging access with life satisfaction and Nussbaum’s core capabilities

Abstract

We explore how perceived access to destinations supports broader human capabilities such as play, health, joy, and wonder. Drawing on Nussbaum’s (2011) framework, we surveyed over 1,400 residents of Melbourne, Australia, asking whether their neighbourhoods support their capabilities “to do or be” in 26 aspects of life. We then applied a structural equation model to examine the interrelationships between demographics, perceived access, observed access (walkability and transit), activity participation, and life satisfaction. The models show that being male, owning a vehicle, and having more friends nearby are associated with higher perceived access, while financial difficulties and disability predict lower perceived access. Although walkability and transit access have a small negative direct association with life satisfaction, they exert positive indirect and total effects through increased perceived access and activity participation. These results underscore that accessibility—particularly as it is perceived—plays a meaningful role in individual well-being.