The Role of Flourishing in Relationship between Positive and Negative Life Events and Affective Well-Being

Abstract

In past research differing effects of life events on well-being are observed. The aim of this study was to examine the relationships between frequency and importance of positive and negative life events and affective well-being, and to explore the role of flourishing in moderating this relationship in the general population. The study comprised data from convenience sample of adult Internet users (N = 5031) who in on-line survey rated the positive and negative affect over the last month, level of flourishing, reported the occurrence of 28 positive and 28 negative life events and rated the importance of each event happened in previous year. While controlling for socio-demographic variables, results showed that frequencies of both positive and negative events were associated with positive affect. However, only frequency and importance of negative events were associated with negative affect. Flourishing moderated the effect of importance of both positive and negative events on negative affect. People higher in flourishing showed trend of decreased negative affect with increased importance of negative life events, as well as with increased importance of positive life events. Findings are discussed within Fredrickson’s broaden and build theory, people who flourish might be more resourceful in coping with perceived higher impact of negative life events while important positive events could help in building personal resources.