Increase In Subjective Well-being Research Articles

Smoking status and subjective well-being

Background/aimsA debate is currently underway about the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA's) methods for evaluating antitobacco regulation. In particular, the US government requires a cost-benefit analysis for significant new regulations,...

What Leads Subjective Well-Being to Change Throughout Adolescence? An Exploration of Potential Factors

This article presents the results of a one-year follow-up study on a sample of 940 adolescents, in which participants have been classified according to the changes they have experienced in their subjective well-being (SWB), measured by means of two different single-item scales (overall life satisfaction –OLS– and happiness overall –HOL). A range of multinomial logistic regression models were employed to determine which factors lead to such differences. Results show that when OLS is considered, the factor most contributing to an increase in SWB is family self-concept, while the one most contributing to its decrease is satisfaction with the family. When HOL is taken as the dependent variable, the most important factor in predicting an increase in SWB is being valued in the future according to the amount of money I have, with life optimism being the most important factor in predicting its decrease. Only three indicators (the importance of being valued in the future according to the amount of money I have, feeling happy at home and satisfaction with myself) contribute to explaining both boys’ and girls’ models when OLS is taken as the dependent variable, while only one indicator (satisfaction with standard of living) is shared in both boys’ and girls’ models when HOL is the dependent variable. The resulting implications for adolescent SWB are discussed.

Determinants of Well-being Among Legal and Illegal Immigrants: Evidence from South Italy

The pursuit of happiness and life satisfaction mobilises individuals to create a dynamic, unique, everyday reality for themselves. The literature has placed particular emphasis on the study of immigrants on the basis that migration is triggered by discrepancies between prior expectations and realisations post-migration. However, the relationship between happiness and illegal migration has received little attention. This study contributes to the current literature by analysing a sample of both illegal and legal immigrants to test the established socio-economic drivers of well-being for each group. Additionally, for the first time, the subjective well-being (SWB) of the respondents is measured in a continuous scale utilising the Visual Analogue Scale technique. Our findings demonstrate that illegal immigrants not only experience greater increases in SWB, but they also report higher levels. Finally, the income effect is positively correlated (although weak) with SWB for illegal immigrants only and family size is positively correlated with greater levels of SWB for their legal counterparts.

Trading growth for happiness

Social Science![Figure][1] Muslims pray before breaking fast during the holy month of Ramadan PHOTO: © DIVYAKANT SOLANKI/EPA/CORBIS Does the dawn-to-dusk fasting practiced by Muslims during the holy month of Ramadan affect labor supply and productivity? The timing of Ramadan follows the lunar calendar, and day length varies with latitude and season; Campante and Yanagizawa-Drott use these sources of exogenous variation to demonstrate that longer fasting results in a lower rate of growth in gross domestic product. They also find that an increase in subjective well-being serves as recompense for what is a costly religious practice, probably via well-established cultural mechanisms that have contributed to the evolution of many prosocial religions, as described by Norenzayan et al. Quart. J. Econ. 130 , 10.1093/qje/qjv002 (2015); Behav. Brain Sci. 10.1017/S0140525X14001356 (2014). [1]: pending:yes

Effectiveness of Two Cognitive Interventions Promoting Happiness with Video-Based Online Instructions

A 3-month experimental online study examined the short-term and 1 month follow-up effects of regularly practicing one of two cognitive interventions on subjective well-being. Participants were 435 self-selected adults (366 female, 69 male, aged 18–63) randomly assigned to one of three conditions: writing about best possible selves in the future (n = 135), making gratitude lists (n = 150) or writing to-do-lists as a control condition (n = 150). The study was fully self-administered and exercise instructions were given in online videos. Repeated-measures MANOVA revealed that both interventions significantly increased subjective well-being in comparison to the control condition. Effect sizes for the different components of subjective well-being ranged from r = .09–.13 (η2 = .01–.02) for the 2 months intervention period. These effects were maintained until the 1-month follow-up. Enjoyment and interest regarding the exercise as indicators of perceived person-intervention-fit moderated the effect; participants of the happiness interventions who perceived a better fit showed greater increases in subjective well-being. These findings confirm previous research on these interventions and encourage further studies on online interventions, especially regarding possibilities to increase participants’ motivation and reduce dropout attrition.

An integrative theory-driven positive emotion regulation intervention.

Over the past fifteen years, positive psychology research has validated a set of happiness enhancing techniques. These techniques are relatively simple exercises that allow happiness seekers to mimic thoughts and behavior of naturally happy people, in order to increase their level of well-being. Because research has shown that the joint use of these exercises increases their effects, practitioners who want to help happiness seekers need validated interventions that combine several of these techniques. To meet this need, we have developed and tested an integrative intervention (Positive Emotion Regulation program – PER program) incorporating a number of validated techniques structured around a theoretical model: the Process Model of Positive Emotion Regulation. To test the effectiveness of this program and to identify its added value relative to existing interventions, 113 undergraduate students were randomly assigned to a 6-week positive emotion regulation pilot program, a loving-kindness meditation training program, or a wait-list control group. Results indicate that fewer participants dropped out from the PER program than from the Loving-Kindness Meditation training. Furthermore, subjects in the PER group showed a significant increase in subjective well-being and life satisfaction and a significant decrease in depression and physical symptoms when compared to controls. Our results suggest that the Process Model of Positive Emotion Regulation can be an effective option to organize and deliver positive integrative interventions.

Intervention Efficacy Among ‘At Risk’ Adolescents: A Test of Subjective Wellbeing Homeostasis Theory

This study tests a number of theoretical predictions based on subjective wellbeing (SWB) Homeostasis Theory. This theory proposes that SWB is actively maintained and defended within a narrow, positive range of values around a ‘set-point’ for each person. Due to homeostatic control, it is predicted to be very difficult to substantially increase SWB in samples operating normally within their set-point-range. However, under conditions of homeostatic defeat, where SWB is lower than normal, successful interventions should be accompanied by a substantial increase as each person’s SWB returns to lie within its normal range of values. This study tests these propositions using a sample of 4,243 participants in an Australian Federal Government Program for ‘at-risk’ adolescents. SWB was measured using the Personal Wellbeing Index and results are converted to a metric ranging from 0 to 100 points. The sample was divided into three sub-groups as 0–50, 51–69, and 70+ points. The theoretical prediction was confirmed. The largest post-intervention increase in SWB was in the 0–50 group and lowest in the 70+ group. However, a small increase in SWB was observed in the normal group, which was significant due to the large sample size. The implications of these findings for governments, schools and policy makers are discussed.

Subjective Well-Being and Income: Is There Any Evidence of Satiation?

Many scholars have argued that once “basic needs” have been met, further rises in income are not associated with further increases in subjective well-being. We assess the validity of this claim in comparisons of both rich and poor countries, and also of rich and poor people within a country. Analyzing multiple datasets, multiple definitions of “basic needs” and multiple questions about well-being, we find no support for this claim. The relationship between well-being and income is roughly log-linear and does not diminish as incomes rise. If there is a satiation point, we are yet to reach it.

Critical success factors for motivating and sustaining women's ICT learning

Information Communication Technology (ICT) has changed the way people think, behave, communicate, and work. As a result, digital literacy, an essential skill for career development, lifelong learning, freedom of expression and social inclusion, is now one of the most important issues facing women today. The aim of this study was to identify the key factors and the possible mechanisms that motivate middle-aged and older females to acquire and utilize ICT skills. Drawing on Social Cognitive and Social Capital theories, we developed a theoretical model and validated it through Partial Least Squares (PLS) and mediation analyses. A survey was administered to 181 participants in an ICT learning program for digital-illiterate and middle-aged females. 133 responses were available for final analysis. The study revealed that social capital does not directly predict computer self-efficacy but depends on learning satisfaction as a mediator. In other words, unless participants develop a sense of satisfaction in class learning, a high level of social capital may not transfer into a high level of computer self-efficacy. In addition, our study shows that computer self-efficacy mediates the relationship between learning satisfaction and ICT usage, and that ICT usage and social capital both predict increases in subjective well-being. ICT utilization plays an important role in the well-being of the middle-aged and older females who often are unable to use ICT regularly due to their cultural roles. This study provides practical implications for the delivery of ICT training programs for females and other under-privileged groups.

対人ストレス経験から獲得した利益の筆記が精神的健康に及ぼす効果

This study examined the effect of writing about the perceived benefits (WPB) of an interpersonal transgression on subjective well-being and feelings of hostility. Participants (N = 74) who reported experiencing a highly stressful interpersonal trouble within the past year were randomly assigned to one of four conditions that consisted of 20-minute writing tasks conducted over a three-day period in which they wrote about either (a) the perceived benefits resulting from the trouble, (b) the features of the trouble, (c) the features in the first 10 minutes and the perceived benefits of the trouble in the last 10 minutes, or (d) a control topic that was unrelated to the trouble. Results of analysis of covariance revealed that group A had significantly decreased hostility. Furthermore groups A and B showed a significant increase in subjective well-being compared to the control condition. Issues related to WPB are discussed.

Subjective Well-Being and Retirement: Analysis and Policy Recommendations

This study examines the relationship between retirement and subjective well-being (SWB), utilizing international data from sixteen countries in Western Europe and the US. Differences in social security regimes are exploited to estimate the retirement decision such that it is exogenous to individual-level characteristics. Although results from traditional ordinary least squares suggest an ambiguous relationship between retirement and SWB, this is due to comparatively lower SWB among those who choose retirement. The removal of selection bias reveals a large, positive effect that fades over a few years, suggesting a multi-stage adjustment to retirement. Individuals facing formal retirement at age 65 or later experience an increase in SWB that is roughly equivalent in total value to that of individuals facing earlier retirement, and both groups return to trend by age 70. This suggests that raising the formal retirement age, which is widely discussed today by policymakers, is relatively neutral with regard to SWB in the long-term.

Effets de la rétrospective de vie sur la détresse psychologique et le bien-être subjectif de personnes âgées institutionnalisées – étude pilote

Resume L’objectif principal est d’examiner les effets de la therapie de retrospective de vie sur les troubles depressifs, la detresse psychologique et le bien-etre subjectif de personnes âgees institutionnalisees. Vingt personnes institutionnalisees âgees de 65 ans et plus ont ete recrutees et aleatoirement reparties dans deux groupes (retrospective de vie et accompagnement usuel). Les participants du groupe retrospective de vie ont beneficie de cinq seances individuelles de retrospective de vie afin d’en examiner les effets. Le recueil des donnees a eu lieu avant et apres l’intervention. Apres avoir fait beneficier les participants du groupe experimental de la therapie de retrospective de vie, un effet positif significatif sur les niveaux de depression, de detresse psychologique et de bien-etre subjectif a ete observe. Aucune amelioration significative n’a ete constatee parmi les participants du groupe d’accompagnement usuel. La therapie individuelle de retrospective de vie peut etre consideree comme une approche potentiellement efficace qui vise a ameliorer l’etat psychologique de la personne âgee et a favoriser son adaptation a son lieu de vie.

A qualitative investigation of the experience of a mindfulness-based intervention with incarcerated adolescents.

This study investigated the experience of 23 incarcerated male adolescents who participated in an adapted 10-week mindfulness-based intervention. Participants completed semi-structured interviews immediately following the final class of the treatment intervention. A six-step thematic content analysis was used to identify major themes from the transcribed semi-structured interviews. Four major clusters of themes were identified: increase in subjective well-being, increase in self-regulation, increase in awareness, and accepting attitude toward the treatment intervention. Results suggest that adapted mindfulness-based interventions are feasible as treatments for incarcerated youth and have promising potential. Clinical implications are discussed.

Effects of progressive muscle relaxation on state anxiety and subjective well-being in people with schizophrenia: a randomized controlled trial

Objective: To examine the efficacy of a single progressive muscle relaxation session compared with a control condition on state anxiety, psychological stress, fatigue and subjective well-being in patients with schizophrenia. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Setting: An acute inpatient care unit of an University Psychiatric Centre. Subjects: Sixty-four out of 88 eligible patients with schizophrenia. Interventions: Patients were randomly assigned to either a single progressive muscle relaxation session during 25 minutes or a resting control condition with the opportunity to read for an equal amount of time. Main outcome measures: Before and after the single interventions the State anxiety inventory and the Subjective exercise experiences scale were completed. Effect sizes were calculated. Results: Only within progressive muscle relaxation, participants (n=27) showed decreased state anxiety, psychological stress and fatigue and increased subjective well-being. Between-group differences in post scores were found for state anxiety, subjective well-being and psychological stress, but not for fatigue. The effect size favouring progressive muscle relaxation was 1.26 for subjective well-being and −1.25 and −1.02 for respectively state anxiety and psychological stress. Conclusions: Progressive muscle relaxation is highly effective in reducing acute feelings of stress and anxiety in patients with schizophrenia. A reduction in stress and state anxiety is associated with an increase in subjective well-being.

Eudaimonic growth: Narrative growth goals predict increases in ego development and subjective well-being 3 years later.

We examine (a) the normative course of eudaimonic well-being in emerging adulthood and (b) whether people's narratives of major life goals might prospectively predict eudaimonic growth 3 years later. We define eudaimonic growth as longitudinal increases in eudaimonic well-being, which we define as the combination of psychosocial maturity and subjective well-being (SWB). College freshmen and seniors took measures of ego development (ED; to assess maturity; Loevinger, 1976) and SWB at Time 1 (T1) and again 3 years later (Time 2). ED levels increased longitudinally across that time for men and T1 freshmen, but SWB levels did not change. Participants also wrote narratives of 2 major life goals at T1 that were coded for an explicit emphasis on specific kinds of personal growth. Participants' intellectual-growth goals (especially agentic ones) predicted increases in ED 3 years later, whereas participants' socioemotional-growth goals (especially communal ones) predicted increases in SWB 3 years later. These findings were independent of the effects of Big Five personality traits-notably conscientiousness, which on its own predicted increases in SWB. We discuss (a) emerging adulthood as the last stop for normative eudaimonic growth in modern society and (b) empirical and theoretical issues surrounding the relations among narrative identity, life planning, dispositional traits, eudaimonia, and 2 paths of personal growth.

Use patterns and self-reported effects of Salvia divinorum: An internet-based survey

BackgroundThere is growing use of Salvia divinorum (SD), a psychoactive plant that produces hallucinogen-like effects through a kappa opioid receptor (KOR) mechanism. Little is known about KOR agonist effects in humans and about users of SD. ObjectivesTo characterize the reasons, methods, and reported consequences of SD use. MethodsIndividuals reading SD-related pages of a drug-information website were invited to anonymously complete an online questionnaire if they had used SD. ResultsParticipants (N=500) were 92.6% male and 23.4±8.7 (mean±s.d.) years old. They had used a median of six times (range 1–250). 80.6% probably or definitely would use SD again. Most participants (92.6%) typically smoked or vaporized SD product. When smoked, the drug's main effects were estimated to last 14.1±12.8 (range 0.5–120) minutes. When asked to compare SD effects to other methods of altering consciousness, the most common answer was that SD was unique (38.4%). 25.8% reported persisting (≥24h) positive effects (often described as increased sense of well-being) on at least one occasion. 4.4% reported persisting negative effects (most often anxiety). ConclusionsSD is typically smoked, acute effects are brief, and persistent adverse effects are uncommon. In addition to acute hallucinogenic effects, SD may produce subacute increases in subjective well-being. Such a subacute effect would be unusual for a drug that is used non-medically, as withdrawal from other drugs typically either does not affect mood or causes dysphoria. Findings from this convenience sample should be confirmed and extended using surveys of random samples and controlled clinical studies.

“The days that make us happy, make us wise” (John Masefield)

The purpose of the present study was to explore the temporal associations between subjective well-being (SWB) and psychological well-being (PWB) across 4 years. A cross-lagged analysis of 2 waves of data was conducted using a Japanese sample (N = 657). The results concerning the auto-regressive effects indicated high stability over time for both of the variables. The cross-lagged effect of PWB on SWB was significant, suggesting that PWB predicts increases in SWB over time. However, SWB did not predict subsequent levels of PWB.

Economic Growth and Subjective Well-Being: Reassessing the Easterlin Paradox

The Easterlin suggests that there is no link between a society's economic development and its average level of happiness. We re-assess this paradox analyzing multiple rich datasets spanning many decades. Using recent data on a broader array of countries, we establish a clear positive link between average levels of subjective well-being and GDP per capita across countries, and find no evidence of a satiation point beyond which wealthier countries have no further increases in subjective well-being. We show that the estimated relationship is consistent across many datasets and is similar to the relationship between subject well-being and income observed within countries. Finally, examining the relationship between changes in subjective well-being and income over time within countries we find economic growth associated with rising happiness. Together these findings indicate a clear role for absolute income and a more limited role for relative income comparisons in determining happiness.

An Examination of the Relationship between Passion and Subjective Well-Being in Older Adults

Activity engagement has long been linked to improved subjective well-being (SWB) in old age. However, recent studies testing Vallerand et al.'s (2003) Dualistic Model of Passion suggest that the type of passionate activity that underlies activity engagement might influence the extent to which individuals benefit from an active lifestyle. In the present article we examined the relationship between harmonious and obsessive passionate activities and subjective well-being in older adults. Results showed that harmonious passion, through its influence on positive affect experienced during activity engagement, is associated with increases in SWB, whereas obsessive passion is associated with decreases in SWB. Engagement in passionate activities might be beneficial for older adults when a passionate activity is harmonious, but detrimental when a passionate activity is obsessive.

Economic Growth and Subjective Well-Being: Reassessing the Easterlin Paradox

The “Easterlin paradox” suggests that there is no link between a society’s economic development and its average level of happiness. We reassess this paradox, analyzing multiple rich datasets spanning many decades. Using recent data on a broader array of countries, we establish a clear positive link between average levels of subjective well-being and GDP per capita across countries, and find no evidence of a satiation point beyond which wealthier countries have no further increases in subjective well-being. We show that the estimated relationship is consistent across many datasets and is similar to that between subjective well-being and income observed within countries. Finally, examining the relationship between changes in subjective well-being and income over time within countries, we find economic growth associated with rising happiness. Together these findings indicate a clear role for absolute income and a more limited role for relative income comparisons in determining happiness.