The affective temperaments and well-being: A study among adolescents in Sweden, Iran, and El Salvador

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of the affective temperament model in differences in well-being among adolescents from Sweden (n = 135), Iran (n = 122), and El Salvador (n = 130). The Affective Temperaments (AFTs) model categorizes participants in four different temperaments using the Positive Affect and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS): self-fulfilling (high PA and low NA), high affective (high PA and high NA), low affective (low PA and low NA), and self-destructive (low PA and high NA). Participants self-reported life satisfaction (Satisfaction with Life Scale) and psychological well-being (Ryff’s Psychological Well-Being Scales). The results show that self-fulfilling adolescents reported higher life satisfaction and psychological well-being than self-destructives across cultures. Nevertheless, despite reporting high negative emotions, high affective adolescents also reported higher levels of well-being. Consequentially, the low affective adolescents also reported higher levels of well-being despite reporting experiencing low positive emotions. Moreover, psychological well-being was positively related to life satisfaction across cultures and temperaments. Specifically, the sub-scale of self-acceptance was a strong predictor of life satisfaction. The role of positive emotions and self-acceptance among youth is discussed. The AFTs model is suggested to offer something unique by taking into account the interaction of PA and NA.