The Multiple Determination of Well-Being: Independent Effects of Positive Needs, Traits, Goals, Selves, and Social Supports, and Cultural Contexts

Publication Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

12-2007

Abstract

Although most researchers acknowledge that subjective well-being (SWB) is multiply determined, little research and theory simultaneously considers the effects of many types of determinants, located at many different levels of analysis. Guided by a six-level model of optimal human being (Sheldon, 2004, 'Optimal Human Being: An Integrated Multi-level Perspective' (Erlbaum, Mahwah, N.J.)), we tested the hypothesis that psychological need-satisfaction, a positive Big Five trait profile, good personal goal-progress, high self-esteem, positive social support, and a happiness-conducing cultural membership would each uniquely predict SWB. These hypotheses were confirmed, supporting the hierarchical perspective and irreducibility assumption that under-girded the research. Implications for SWB theory and interventions, and for the task of integrating the many different types of personality constructs that exist, are discussed.

Keywords

subjective well-being, personality hierarchies, culture

Discipline

Organizational Behavior and Theory

Research Areas

Organisational Behaviour and Human Resources

Publication

Journal of Happiness Studies

Volume

8

Issue

4

First Page

565

Last Page

592

ISSN

1389-4978

Identifier

10.1007/s10902-006-9031-4

City or Country

Springer

Additional URL

https://doi.org/10.1007/s10902-006-9031-4

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