Project Objectives

The project aims to comprehensively investigate the impact of commuting behavior on subjective and objective wellbeing and to address existing research gaps of international relevance.

1. Development of a conceptual framework to examine the effects of commuting behavior on wellbeing by integrating relevant theories as a foundation for empirical analysis.
2. Analysis of the relationship between commuting behavior and subjective wellbeing (SWB), considering cognitive dimensions such as overall life satisfaction and domain-specific satisfaction (work, leisure, family).
3. Examination of the effects of commuting patterns on objective wellbeing (OWB) based on time-use theory, which conceptualizes time as a limited resource.
4. Analysis of the relationship between commuting behavior and travel wellbeing (TWB), focusing on hedonic aspects (travel affect) and eudaimonic aspects (travel eudaimonia).
5. Investigation of the effects of teleworking models (remote work, hybrid work, home-based work) on work–life balance (WLB) and life satisfaction (LS) compared to traditional commuting patterns.

Method

Methodologically, the project is based on descriptive statistics, multiple regression models, and logit models (binary/multinomial logistic). The data sources include: German Time Use Survey, primary data collection and German Family Demography Panel

Funding

German Research Foundation (DFG)
DFG-CH 3436/2-1

Duration: 2026–2032 (6 years)

Contact:

Dr. Bhuvanachithra Chidambaram

Principal Investigator

TU Dortmund | Fakultät Raumplanung

Urban Development Group
Campus Süd; Geschossbau I

Telephone: +49 231 755-4815
Fax: +49 231 755-2269

Room 305