Abstract
Subjective well-being (SWB) comprises individual differences in life satisfaction (LS), positive affect (PA), and negative
affect (NA), and is typically conceptualized as an important life outcome. In contrast, Shmotkin (Rev Gen Psychol 9:291–325,
2005) proposed that SWB is a dynamic and agentic system that promotes optimal functioning, and is organized within individuals
as configurations of LS, PA, and NA. We investigated three fundamental features of this novel framework. A 3-year, two-wave
longitudinal study (N = 446 Canadian students; Mage = 18.67; 73 % female) was undertaken. The same set of five SWB configurations were observed at each time point, including
congruous and incongruous profiles. Consistent with the hypothesized dynamic nature of the SWB system intraindividual stability
in SWB configurations (operationalized in terms of categorical cluster membership and prototypicality scores) was moderate.
In support of the proposed responsive nature of the SWB system, changes over time in individuals’ SWB configurations were
predicted by changes in psychological, physical, and interpersonal functioning. Consonant with the proposed promotive role
of the SWB system, positive functioning and changes in functioning over time were predicted by individuals’ SWB configurations
and changes in configurations. The present work provides support for the proposed dynamic and agentic nature of SWB. Unique
insights offered by a configural perspective on SWB are discussed.
affect (NA), and is typically conceptualized as an important life outcome. In contrast, Shmotkin (Rev Gen Psychol 9:291–325,
2005) proposed that SWB is a dynamic and agentic system that promotes optimal functioning, and is organized within individuals
as configurations of LS, PA, and NA. We investigated three fundamental features of this novel framework. A 3-year, two-wave
longitudinal study (N = 446 Canadian students; Mage = 18.67; 73 % female) was undertaken. The same set of five SWB configurations were observed at each time point, including
congruous and incongruous profiles. Consistent with the hypothesized dynamic nature of the SWB system intraindividual stability
in SWB configurations (operationalized in terms of categorical cluster membership and prototypicality scores) was moderate.
In support of the proposed responsive nature of the SWB system, changes over time in individuals’ SWB configurations were
predicted by changes in psychological, physical, and interpersonal functioning. Consonant with the proposed promotive role
of the SWB system, positive functioning and changes in functioning over time were predicted by individuals’ SWB configurations
and changes in configurations. The present work provides support for the proposed dynamic and agentic nature of SWB. Unique
insights offered by a configural perspective on SWB are discussed.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Research Paper
- Pages 1-28
- DOI 10.1007/s10902-012-9368-9
- Authors
- Michael A. Busseri, Department of Psychology, Brock University, 500 Glenridge Avenue, St. Catharines, ON L2S 3A1, Canada
- Stan W. Sadava, Department of Psychology, Brock University, 500 Glenridge Avenue, St. Catharines, ON L2S 3A1, Canada
- Journal Journal of Happiness Studies
- Online ISSN 1573-7780
- Print ISSN 1389-4978