Abstract
We examined potential nonlinear links between age and subjective well-being, and the interpersonal processes (i.e., support,
conflict) responsible for such links. One hundred forty-four men and women between the ages of 30–70 completed measures of
satisfaction with life, social support (interpersonal support evaluation list), and social negativity (test of negative social
exchanges). Nonlinear regression analyses revealed a significant quadratic trend between age and satisfaction with life (SWL,
p = .01) where age was associated with lower SWL in the young to middle-aged sample, but higher SWL in the middle-age to older
adult sample. Analyses further revealed that interpersonal tensions statistically mediated the nonlinear links between age
and SWL. These data suggest that negative interpersonal exchanges may be important contributors to well-being at midlife.
conflict) responsible for such links. One hundred forty-four men and women between the ages of 30–70 completed measures of
satisfaction with life, social support (interpersonal support evaluation list), and social negativity (test of negative social
exchanges). Nonlinear regression analyses revealed a significant quadratic trend between age and satisfaction with life (SWL,
p = .01) where age was associated with lower SWL in the young to middle-aged sample, but higher SWL in the middle-age to older
adult sample. Analyses further revealed that interpersonal tensions statistically mediated the nonlinear links between age
and SWL. These data suggest that negative interpersonal exchanges may be important contributors to well-being at midlife.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Research Paper
- Pages 1-13
- DOI 10.1007/s10902-012-9363-1
- Authors
- Anna Darbonne, Department of Psychology and Health Psychology Program, University of Utah, 380 S. 1530 E. Rm. 502, Salt Lake City, UT 84112-0251, USA
- Bert N. Uchino, Department of Psychology and Health Psychology Program, University of Utah, 380 S. 1530 E. Rm. 502, Salt Lake City, UT 84112-0251, USA
- Anthony D. Ong, Department of Human Development, Columbia University, New York City, NY, USA
- Journal Journal of Happiness Studies
- Online ISSN 1573-7780
- Print ISSN 1389-4978