The value of a family dinner from the perspective of subjective well-being

Based on data from the China Family Panel Studies ( CFPS ) 2014 and 2018 surveys, this paper investigates the association between family dinners and subjective well-being ( SWB ), analyzing it through the dual lenses of material and spiritual needs. The findings reveal that sharing meals with family members significantly enhances SWB —and that this positive effect has strengthened over time. Moreover, the magnitude of this effect exhibits notable heterogeneity across urban versus rural residence and across income groups. Employing the life satisfaction approach ( LSA ), the study further monetizes the value of family dinners. On average, residents are willing to pay CNY 11,585 annually for one additional family dinner per week—a willingness-to-pay figure that has also increased over time, again reflecting pronounced urban–rural and income-based disparities. Additional analysis uncovers a threshold effect in the relationship between family dinner frequency and SWB improvement, with the threshold varying by survey year, gender, marital status, and residential location (urban vs. rural).