1
|
Yang L. Enhancing emotional health and engagement in Chinese English language learners: an approach from teachers' autonomy- supportive behavior, teachers' harmony, and peer support in a two-sample study. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1356213. [PMID: 38562241 PMCID: PMC10982512 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1356213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Background In the evolving landscape of Chinese education, understanding the factors that influence the emotional health and engagement of English language learners is increasingly vital. Against this backdrop, our study delves into how teachers' autonomy-supportive behavior, teachers' harmony, and peer support impact these key educational outcomes. Aim This study investigates the roles of teachers' autonomy-supportive behavior, teachers' harmony, and peer support in influencing the emotional health and engagement of English language learners in China. Method Involving a diverse sample of 68 English Language Teachers and their 389 students from various Chinese universities, the study leverages a convenience sampling method. Results Key findings indicate that students' emotional health is predominantly influenced by peer support, while student engagement is significantly affected by a combination of teachers' autonomy-supportive behavior, peer support, and teachers' harmony. These outcomes highlight the importance of both teacher behavior and peer relationships in educational settings, underscoring their crucial roles in enhancing student well-being and engagement. The study's methodology, incorporating a diverse sample from multiple educational institutions and a comprehensive analytical approach, offers robust insights. However, the limitations of convenience sampling and reliance on self-reported data necessitate a careful interpretation of the findings. Implications Implications from this research are vital for educational policy and practice, emphasizing the need for interventions that enhance teacher-student relationships and foster supportive peer environments. This study adds to the body of knowledge on factors influencing emotional health and engagement among English language learners, advocating for a comprehensive approach in educational strategies and interventions.
Collapse
|
2
|
Krys K, Kostoula O, van Tilburg WAP, Mosca O, Lee JH, Maricchiolo F, Kosiarczyk A, Kocimska-Bortnowska A, Torres C, Hitokoto H, Liew K, Bond MH, Lun VMC, Vignoles VL, Zelenski JM, Haas BW, Park J, Vauclair CM, Kwiatkowska A, Roczniewska M, Witoszek N, Işık İ, Kosakowska-Berezecka N, Domínguez-Espinosa A, Yeung JC, Górski M, Adamovic M, Albert I, Pavlopoulos V, Fülöp M, Sirlopu D, Okvitawanli A, Boer D, Teyssier J, Malyonova A, Gavreliuc A, Serdarevich U, Akotia CS, Appoh L, Mira DMA, Baltin A, Denoux P, Esteves CS, Gamsakhurdia V, Garðarsdóttir RB, Igbokwe DO, Igou ER, Kascakova N, Klůzová Kracˇmárová L, Kronberger N, Barrientos PE, Mohoricć T, Murdock E, Mustaffa NF, Nader M, Nadi A, van Osch Y, Pavlović Z, Polácˇková Šolcová I, Rizwan M, Romashov V, Røysamb E, Sargautyte R, Schwarz B, Selecká L, Selim HA, Stogianni M, Sun CR, Wojtczuk-Turek A, Xing C, Uchida Y. Happiness Maximization Is a WEIRD Way of Living. Perspect Psychol Sci 2024:17456916231208367. [PMID: 38350096 DOI: 10.1177/17456916231208367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
Psychological science tends to treat subjective well-being and happiness synonymously. We start from the assumption that subjective well-being is more than being happy to ask the fundamental question: What is the ideal level of happiness? From a cross-cultural perspective, we propose that the idealization of attaining maximum levels of happiness may be especially characteristic of Western, educated, industrial, rich, and democratic (WEIRD) societies but less so for others. Searching for an explanation for why "happiness maximization" might have emerged in these societies, we turn to studies linking cultures to their eco-environmental habitat. We discuss the premise that WEIRD cultures emerged in an exceptionally benign ecological habitat (i.e., faced relatively light existential pressures compared with other regions). We review the influence of the Gulf Stream on the Northwestern European climate as a source of these comparatively benign geographical conditions. We propose that the ecological conditions in which WEIRD societies emerged afforded them a basis to endorse happiness as a value and to idealize attaining its maximum level. To provide a nomological network for happiness maximization, we also studied some of its potential side effects, namely alcohol and drug consumption and abuse and the prevalence of mania. To evaluate our hypothesis, we reanalyze data from two large-scale studies on ideal levels of personal life satisfaction-the most common operationalization of happiness in psychology-involving respondents from 61 countries. We conclude that societies whose members seek to maximize happiness tend to be characterized as WEIRD, and generalizing this across societies can prove problematic if adopted at the ideological and policy level.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kuba Krys
- Institute of Psychology, Polish Academy of Sciences
| | - Olga Kostoula
- Institute of Psychology, Johannes Kepler University Linz
| | | | - Oriana Mosca
- Department of Education, Psychology, and Philosophy, University of Cagliari
| | - J Hannah Lee
- Department of Psychology, Indiana University Northwest
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Kongmeng Liew
- Graduate School of Human and Environmental Studies, Kyoto University
- School of Psychology, Speech and Hearing, University of Canterbury
| | - Michael H Bond
- Department of Management and Marketing, Faculty of Business, Hong Kong Polytechnic University
| | | | | | | | | | - Joonha Park
- Graduate School of Management, NUCB Business School
| | - Christin-Melanie Vauclair
- Centre for Psychological Research and Social Intervention (CIS-Iscte), Iscte-Instituto Universitário de Lisboa
| | | | - Marta Roczniewska
- SWPS University
- Department of Learning, Informatics, Management and Ethics, Medical Management Centre, Karolinska Institutet
| | - Nina Witoszek
- Centre for Development and the Environment, University of Oslo
| | - İdil Işık
- Psychology Department, Bahçeşehir University
| | | | | | | | - Maciej Górski
- Institute of Psychology, Polish Academy of Sciences
- Faculty of Psychology, University of Warsaw
| | | | - Isabelle Albert
- Department of Behavioural and Cognitive Sciences, University of Luxembourg
| | | | - Márta Fülöp
- Institute of Psychology, Károli Gáspár University of the Reformed Church
- Research Centre of Natural Sciences, Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience and Psychology, Eötvös Loránd Research Network, Budapest, Hungary
| | - David Sirlopu
- Faculty of Psychology and Humanities, Universidad San Sebastián, Concepción
| | | | - Diana Boer
- Institute of Psychology, University of Koblenz
| | - Julien Teyssier
- Département Psychologie Clinique Du Sujet, Université Toulouse II
| | - Arina Malyonova
- Department of General and Social Psychology, Dostoevsky Omsk State University
| | | | | | - Charity S Akotia
- Department of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, University of Ghana
| | - Lily Appoh
- Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences, Nord University
| | | | - Arno Baltin
- School of Natural Sciences and Health, Tallinn University
| | - Patrick Denoux
- Département Psychologie Clinique Du Sujet, Université Toulouse II
| | - Carla Sofia Esteves
- Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Católica Lisbon School of Business and Economics, Católica Lisbon Research Unit in Business and Economics
| | | | | | | | - Eric R Igou
- Department of Psychology, University of Limerick
| | - Natalia Kascakova
- Olomouc University Social Health Institute, Palacky University
- Psychiatric Clinic Pro Mente Sana, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | | | | | | | - Tamara Mohoricć
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Rijeka
| | - Elke Murdock
- Department of Behavioural and Cognitive Sciences, University of Luxembourg
| | - Nur Fariza Mustaffa
- Department of Business Administration, International Islamic University Malaysia
| | - Martin Nader
- Department of Psychological Studies, Universidad ICESI
| | - Azar Nadi
- Institute of Psychology, Polish Academy of Sciences
| | - Yvette van Osch
- Department of Social Psychology, Tilburg School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Tilburg University
| | - Zoran Pavlović
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Philosophy University of Belgrade
| | | | | | | | | | - Ruta Sargautyte
- Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Philosophy, Vilnius University
| | - Beate Schwarz
- Department of Applied Psychology, Zurich University of Applied Sciences
| | | | | | | | - Chien-Ru Sun
- Department of Psychology, National Chengchi University
| | | | - Cai Xing
- Department of Psychology, Renmin University of China
| | - Yukiko Uchida
- Institute for the Future of Human Society, Kyoto University
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Padgett RN, Lee MT, Wilkinson R, Tsavaris H, VanderWeele TJ. Reliability and Validity of a Multidimensional Measure of Subjective Community Well-Being. Assessment 2024:10731911241229060. [PMID: 38334097 DOI: 10.1177/10731911241229060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
An individual's flourishing is sustained by and dependent on their community's well-being. We provide one of the first studies of a measure of communal subjective well-being, focusing on individuals' relationships with their community. Using two samples from the Greater Columbus, Ohio region, we provide evidence of the reliability and validity of the Subjective Community Well-being (SCWB) assessment. The five domains of the SCWB are Good Relationships (α = .92), Proficient Leadership (α = .93), Healthy Practices (α = .92), Satisfying Community (α = .88), and Strong Mission (α = .81). A community-based sample (N = 1,435) and an online sample of Columbus residents (N = 692) were scored on the SCWB and compared across domains. We found evidence that the SCWB scores differentiate between active and less active community members. We discuss the appropriate uses of the SCWB as a measure of well-being and provide recommendations for research that could profitably utilize the SCWB measure to examine community well-being.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R Noah Padgett
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
- Human Flourishing Program, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Matthew T Lee
- Human Flourishing Program, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA
| | - Renae Wilkinson
- Human Flourishing Program, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | - Tyler J VanderWeele
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
- Human Flourishing Program, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Nilsson AH, Eichstaedt JC, Lomas T, Schwartz A, Kjell O. The Cantril Ladder elicits thoughts about power and wealth. Sci Rep 2024; 14:2642. [PMID: 38302578 PMCID: PMC10834405 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-52939-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
The Cantril Ladder is among the most widely administered subjective well-being measures; every year, it is collected in 140+ countries in the Gallup World Poll and reported in the World Happiness Report. The measure asks respondents to evaluate their lives on a ladder from worst (bottom) to best (top). Prior work found Cantril Ladder scores sensitive to social comparison and to reflect one's relative position in the income distribution. To understand this, we explored how respondents interpret the Cantril Ladder. We analyzed word responses from 1581 UK adults and tested the impact of the (a) ladder imagery, (b) scale anchors of worst to best possible life, and c) bottom to top. Using three language analysis techniques (dictionary, topic, and word embeddings), we found that the Cantril Ladder framing emphasizes power and wealth over broader well-being and relationship concepts in comparison to the other study conditions. Further, altering the framings increased preferred scale levels from 8.4 to 8.9 (Cohen's d = 0.36). Introducing harmony as an anchor yielded the strongest divergence from the Cantril Ladder, reducing mentions of power and wealth topics the most (Cohen's d = -0.76). Our findings refine the understanding of historical Cantril Ladder data and may help guide the future evolution of well-being metrics and guidelines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- August Håkan Nilsson
- Department of Psychology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
- Oslo Business School, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Johannes C Eichstaedt
- Department of Psychology, Institute for Human-Centered A.I., Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Tim Lomas
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard University, Cambridge, USA
| | - Andrew Schwartz
- Department of Computer Science, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Oscar Kjell
- Department of Psychology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Nima AA, Garcia D, Sikström S, Cloninger KM. The ABC of happiness: Validation of the tridimensional model of subjective well-being (affect, cognition, and behavior) using Bifactor Polytomous Multidimensional Item Response Theory. Heliyon 2024; 10:e24386. [PMID: 38304789 PMCID: PMC10831611 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Happiness is often conceptualized as subjective well-being, which comprises people's evaluations of emotional experiences (i.e., the affective dimension: positive and negative feelings and emotions) and judgements of a self-imposed ideal (i.e., the cognitive dimension: life satisfaction). Recent research has established these two dimensions as primary parts of a higher order factor. However, theoretical, conceptual, and empirical work suggest that people's evaluations of harmony in their life (i.e., the sense of balance and capacity to behave and adapt with both acceptance and flexibility to inter- and intrapersonal circumstances) constitutes a third dimension (i.e., the behavioral dimension). This tridemensional conceptualization of subjective well-being has recently been verified using Unidimensional Item Response Theory (UIRT) and Classical Test Theory (CTT). Here, we use a recently developed and more robust approach that combines these two methods (i.e., Multidimensional Item Response Theory, MIRT) to simultaneously address the complex interactions and multidimensionality behind how people feel, think, and behave in relation to happiness in their life. Method A total of 435 participants (197 males and 238 females) with an age mean of 44.84 (sd = 13.36) responded to the Positive Affect Negative Affect Schedule (10 positive affect items, 10 negative affect items), the Satisfaction with Life Scale (five items), and the Harmony in life Scale (five items). We used Bifactor-Graded Response MIRT for the main analyses. Result At the general level, each of the 30 items had a strong capacity to discriminate between respondents across all three dimensions of subjective well-being. The investigation of different parameters (e.g., marginal slopes, ECV, IECV) strongly reflected the multidimensionality of subjective well-being at the item, the scale, and the model level. Indeed, subjective well-being could explain 64 % of the common variance in the whole model. Moreover, most of the items measuring positive affect (8/10) and life satisfaction (4/5) and all the items measuring harmony in life (5/5) accounted for a larger amount of variance of subjective well-being compared to that of their respective individual dimensions. The negative affect items, however, measured its own individual concept to a lager extent rather than subjective well-being. Thus, suggesting that the experience of negative affect is a more independent dimension within the whole subjective well-being model. We also found that specific items (e.g., "Alert", "Distressed", "Irritable", "I am satisfied with my life") were the recurrent exceptions in our results. Last but not the least, experiencing high levels in one dimension seems to compensate for low levels in the others and vice versa. Conclusion As expected, the three subjective well-being dimensions do not work separately. Interestingly, the order and magnitude of the effect by each dimension on subjective well-being mirror how people define happiness in their life: first as harmony, second as satisfaction, third as positive emotions, and fourth, albeit to a much lesser degree, as negative emotions. Ergo, we argue that subjective well-being functions as a complex biopsychosocial adaptive system mirroring our attitude towards life in these three dimensions (A: affective dimension; B: behavioral dimension; C: cognitive dimension). Ergo, researchers and practitioners need to take in to account all three to fully understand, measure, and promote people's experience of the happy life. Moreover, our results also suggest that negative affect, especially regarding high activation unpleasant emotions, need considerable changes and further analyses if it is going to be included as a construct within the affective dimension of a general subjective well-being factor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ali Al Nima
- Department of Psychology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Promotion of Health and Innovation Lab (PHI), International Network for Well-Being, Sweden
| | - Danilo Garcia
- Department of Psychology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Promotion of Health and Innovation Lab (PHI), International Network for Well-Being, Sweden
- Department of Behavioral Sciences and Learning, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Centre for Ethics, Law and Mental Health (CELAM), University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Psychology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Sverker Sikström
- Promotion of Health and Innovation Lab (PHI), International Network for Well-Being, Sweden
- Department of Psychology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Kevin M. Cloninger
- Anthropedia Foundation, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
- Promotion of Health and Innovation Lab (PHI), International Network for Well-Being, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Prinzing MM, Fredrickson BL. No Peace for the Wicked? Immorality Is Thought to Disrupt Intrapersonal Harmony, Impeding Positive Psychological States and Happiness. Cogn Sci 2023; 47:e13371. [PMID: 37961006 DOI: 10.1111/cogs.13371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Why do people think that someone living a morally bad life is less happy than someone living a good life? One possibility is that judging whether someone is happy involves not only attributing positive psychological states (i.e., lots of pleasant emotions, few unpleasant emotions, and satisfaction with life) but also forming an evaluative judgment. Another possibility is that moral considerations affect happiness attributions because they tacitly influence attributions of positive psychological states. In two studies, we found strong support for the second hypothesis. Moral considerations only appear to affect happiness attributions when they also affect attributions of positive psychological states. Additionally, both studies supported a hypothesis about why moral judgments have these effects. Specifically, we found that when people judge that someone is living a bad life, they infer that the person is not at peace with themselves. However, when this inference is blocked, moral considerations do not affect attributions of happiness or positive psychological states. In sum, although "happiness" appears to be a purely psychological concept, happiness judgments are sensitive to moral considerations because people often assume that immorality disrupts intrapersonal harmony.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Barbara L Fredrickson
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Delle Fave A, Wissing MP, Brdar I. Beyond polarization towards dynamic balance: harmony as the core of mental health. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1177657. [PMID: 37771812 PMCID: PMC10525342 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1177657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Worldviews are culturally derived assumptions that influence individual and collective behaviors, values, and representations of reality. The study of mental functions is not exempt from this influence, as reflected in scientific theories, methodological approaches, and empirical studies. Despite acknowledging the interplay of mental processes with developmental, environmental, and cultural dimensions, psychological research is still primarily based on quantitative methods, and on the conceptualization of mental phenomena as unfolding along polarized continua. A lively epistemological debate surrounds this approach, especially underscoring the risk of blurring the distinction between constructs derived from statistical models and real-life processes and experiences. Based on this debate and on recent empirical evidence derived from the positive psychology literature, this paper is aimed at proposing an integrated view of mental health, as a holistically patterned, contextually imbedded, and dynamic phenomenon changing over time and across life events, with harmony, harmonization and dynamic balance as core qualities. The heuristic potential of investigating the qualitative configuration patterns of mental health dimensions across individuals and groups, beyond their position along a quantitative continuum, is outlined. The development of more integrated approaches and methodologies to investigate mental health as a harmonization process, taking into account personal, contextual and developmental features, would be aligned with evidence derived from the integration of traditional nomothetic and ideographic approaches, and other life sciences. However, the development of a transdisciplinary line of research requires further inputs from different epistemological views, as well as higher attention to the potential contribution of different philosophical traditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Delle Fave
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Marié Philipina Wissing
- Africa Unit for Transdisciplinary Health Research (AUTHeR), North-West University, Potchefstroom, North West, South Africa
| | - Ingrid Brdar
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Weiss-Sidi M, Riemer H. Help others-be happy? The effect of altruistic behavior on happiness across cultures. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1156661. [PMID: 37425146 PMCID: PMC10326385 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1156661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Research has established that altruistic behavior increases happiness. We examined this phenomenon across cultures, differentiating between individualistic and collectivist cultures. We propose that cultural variations in the notion of altruism lead to different effects of helping on the helper's happiness. For individualists, altruism is linked to self-interest ("impure" altruism), and helping others results in increased happiness for the helper. For collectivists, altruism is focused on the recipient ("pure" altruism), and helping others is less likely to enhance the helper's happiness. Four studies support our predictions. Study 1 measured the dispositions toward altruism among people with various cultural orientations. Consistent with our predictions, the findings showed that individualism (collectivism) was positively associated with tendencies reflecting more "impure" ("pure") altruism. Two experimental studies then examined the moderating role of cultural orientation on the effect of spending money on oneself versus others (Study 2) or of doing a kind action (making tea for oneself versus others; Study 3). Both experimental studies demonstrated that altruistic behavior had a positive effect on happiness for individualists but not for collectivists. Finally, Study 4, which utilized data from the World Values Survey to examine the altruism-happiness link in various countries, displayed a stronger link between altruistic behavior and happiness in individualistic (vs. collectivist) cultures. Altogether, this research sheds light on cultural differences in the display of altruism, revealing different motivations for and consequences of altruistic behaviors.
Collapse
|
9
|
Krok D, Zarzycka B, Telka E. The perception of COVID-19, the Light Triad, harmony and ethical sensitivity in late adolescents: The role of meaning-making and stress. Sci Rep 2023; 13:8122. [PMID: 37208400 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-35284-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The experiences of inner harmony and ethical sensitivity among late adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic depend on the interplay of perceptive factors, personal resources and cognitive and stress mechanisms. Using a sample from Poland, the present study examined the relationships between the perceptions of COVID-19 and the Light Triad and the characteristics of inner harmony and ethical sensitivity from the mediational perspective of meaning-making and perceived stress. Three hundred and sixteen late adolescents were recruited in the cross-sectional study. They filled in questionnaires measuring the perception of COVID-19, the Light Triad, meaning-making, stress, inner harmony and ethical sensitivity, from April to September 2020. The perception of COVID-19 was negatively related to ethical sensitivity, whereas the Light Triad was positively related to inner harmony and ethical sensitivity. Perceived stress and meaning-making mediated the relationships between the perceptions of COVID-19, the Light Triad and the characteristic of inner harmony. Perception processes and the Light Triad dimensions directly influence ethical sensitivity, as well as indirectly affect inner harmony through meaning-making processes and perceived stress. This noticeably highlights the vital role played by meaning structures and emotional reactions in the experience of inner peace and calmness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dariusz Krok
- Institute of Psychology, University of Opole, Plac Staszica 1, 45-052, Opole, Poland.
| | - Beata Zarzycka
- Institute of Psychology, John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Ewa Telka
- Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Gliwice Branch, Warsaw, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Krys K, Chun Yeung J, Haas BW, van Osch Y, Kosiarczyk A, Kocimska-Zych A, Torres C, Selim HA, Zelenski JM, Bond MH, Park J, Lun VMC, Maricchiolo F, Vauclair CM, Poláčková Šolcová I, Sirlopú D, Xing C, Vignoles VL, van Tilburg WAP, Teyssier J, Sun CR, Serdarevich U, Schwarz B, Sargautyte R, Røysamb E, Romashov V, Rizwan M, Pavlović Z, Pavlopoulos V, Okvitawanli A, Nadi A, Nader M, Mustaffa NF, Murdock E, Mosca O, Mohorić T, Barrientos Marroquin PE, Malyonova A, Liu X, Lee JH, Kwiatkowska A, Kronberger N, Klůzová Kráčmarová L, Kascakova N, Işık İ, Igou ER, Igbokwe DO, Hanke-Boer D, Gavreliuc A, Garðarsdóttir RB, Fülöp M, Gamsakhurdia V, Esteves CS, Domínguez-Espinosa A, Denoux P, Charkviani S, Baltin A, Arevalo D, Appoh L, Akotia C, Adamovic M, Uchida Y. Family First: Evidence of Consistency and Variation in the Value of Family Versus Personal Happiness Across 49 Different Cultures. Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology 2023. [DOI: 10.1177/00220221221134711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
People care about their own well-being and about the well-being of their families. It is currently, however, unknown how much people tend to value their own versus their family’s well-being. A recent study documented that people value family happiness over personal happiness across four cultures. In this study, we sought to replicate this finding across a larger sample size ( N = 12,819) and a greater number of countries ( N = 49). We found that the strength of the idealization of family over personal happiness preference was small (average Cohen’s ds = .20, range −.02 to.48), but present in 98% of the studied countries, with statistical significance in 73% to 75%, and variance across countries <2%. We also found that the size of this effect did vary somewhat across cultural contexts. In Latin American cultures highest on relational mobility, the idealization of family over personal happiness was very small (average Cohen’s ds for Latin America = .15 and .18), while in Confucian Asia cultures lowest on relational mobility, this effect was closer to medium ( ds > .40 and .30). Importantly, we did not find strong support for traditional theories in cross-cultural psychology that associate collectivism with greater prioritization of the family versus the individual; country-level individualism–collectivism was not associated with variation in the idealization of family versus individual happiness. Our findings indicate that no matter how much various populists abuse the argument of “protecting family life” to disrupt emancipation, family happiness seems to be a pan-culturally phenomenon. Family well-being is a key ingredient of social fabric across the world, and should be acknowledged by psychology and well-being researchers and by progressive movements too.
Collapse
|
11
|
Jarden A, Roache A. What Is Wellbeing? Int J Environ Res Public Health 2023; 20:5006. [PMID: 36981914 PMCID: PMC10049282 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20065006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The human interest in 'wellbeing' dates back thousands of years, with complex indigenous understandings [...].
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Jarden
- Centre for Wellbeing Science, Melbourne Graduate School of Education, University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3010, Australia
| | - Annalise Roache
- Psychology, Health Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland 0627, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Lomas T, VanderWeele TJ. Toward an Expanded Taxonomy of Happiness: A Conceptual Analysis of 16 Distinct Forms of Mental Wellbeing. Journal of Humanistic Psychology 2023. [DOI: 10.1177/00221678231155512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
Recent decades have seen a surge of scientific interest in happiness. However, its theoretical conceptualization is a work in progress. Much of the literature focuses on two main forms: hedonic (encompassing life satisfaction and positive affect) and eudaimonic (encompassing phenomena such as character development and meaning in life). However, this binary has been critiqued as being incomplete, in part because it reflects a Western-centric perspective that overlooks forms emphasized in non-Western cultures. As a result, scholars have begun to highlight other forms besides hedonia and eudaimonia. This article surveys the literature to identify 16 potential forms in total, classified according to whether they primarily pertain to feelings (hedonic, contented, mature, chaironic, and vital), thought (evaluative, meaningful, intellective, aesthetic, and absorbed) or action (eudaimonic, masterful, accomplished, harmonic, nirvanic, and relational). This article thus offers a more expansive, albeit still just provisional, taxonomy of this vital and still-evolving topic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tim Lomas
- Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Cromhout A, Schutte L, Wissing MP, Wilson Fadiji A, Guse T, Mbowa S. Psychometric properties of the Harmony in Life Scale in South African and Ghanaian samples. AJOPA 2023. [DOI: 10.4102/ajopa.v5i0.122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
Harmony is regarded as important for well-being in many cultures. However, (cultural) differences in the meanings and manifestations of harmony may impact the equivalence of measures of harmony in life, as well as the associations between harmony and other well-being constructs. This study aimed to investigate the factorial, convergent and divergent validity, and measurement invariance of the Harmony in Life Scale (HILS) in South African and Ghanaian samples. Confirmatory factor analysis was applied to data from three South African samples (two multicultural samples completed the HILS in English; and a Setswana-speaking sample completed the HILS in Setswana) and one Ghanaian sample (completed the HILS in English). Sample sizes ranged between n = 400 and n = 427. Good fit indices were obtained for all samples, except for the Setswana-speaking sample from South Africa. In all instances the HILS showed good internal consistency reliability and convergent and divergent validity. Full scalar invariance was supported for the two multicultural South African samples, but only partial scalar invariance when data from the Ghanaian sample were added to the analysis. The HILS shows potential for future use in all samples, except the Setswana-speaking sample. Findings emphasise the importance of considering cultural and/or contextual and linguistic differences and how these may influence the measurement of psychological constructs. Future research should qualitatively explore the meanings and manifestations of harmony in various African and other global contexts in local languages.Contribution: This study is the first to investigate the psychometric properties of the original English version of the HILS in South African and Ghanaian samples, as well as a Setswana translation of the scale. The study contributes to the understanding of harmony in life and the measurement thereof in diverse contexts, in this case specifically focused on African samples, and may, in turn, inform interventions and evaluation of interventions.
Collapse
|
14
|
Carreno DF, Eisenbeck N, Greville J, Wong PTP. Cross-Cultural Psychometric Analysis of the Mature Happiness Scale-Revised: Mature Happiness, Psychological Inflexibility, and the PERMA Model. J Happiness Stud 2023; 24:1075-1099. [PMID: 36820217 PMCID: PMC9932412 DOI: 10.1007/s10902-023-00633-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The present study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Mature Happiness Scale, a measure focused on inner harmony. Mature happiness is achieved when a person can live in balance between both positive and negative aspects of their life. A total sample of 2,130 participants from five countries (Canada: n = 390, United States: n = 223, United Kingdom: n = 512, Spain: n = 724, and Hungary: n = 281) responded to an online survey including the original Mature Happiness Scale, the PERMA-Profiler, and the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses yielded a one-factor solution with seven positive items (non-reversed). We called this new version of the questionnaire the Mature Happiness Scale-Revised (MHS-R). Measurement invariance was found across countries, age groups, gender, and mental disorder diagnosis. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability were high. Older people, males, and people without a mental disorder diagnosis scored higher in mature happiness than younger ones, females, and those with a mental health disorder diagnosis, respectively. Mature happiness showed strong positive associations with various subscales of the PERMA-Profiler, specifically with positive emotions and meaning in life. In addition, mature happiness was strongly correlated with less negative affect and inner conflict and lower psychological inflexibility, whereas it was moderately correlated with lower loneliness. This validity evidence supports the cross-cultural use of the MHS-R in the aforementioned countries to reliably measure happiness among adults. With its holistic approach, the MHS-R may be a unique complement to other well-being measures, particularly to better predict mental health problems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David F. Carreno
- Department of Psychology, University of Almeria, Carr. Sacramento, s/n, 04120 La Cañada, Almería Spain
| | - Nikolett Eisenbeck
- Department of Personality, Evaluation and Psychological Treatment, Faculty of Psychology, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | | | - Paul T. P. Wong
- Meaning-Centered Counselling Institute Inc., North York, ON Canada
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Rajkumar RP. Cultural values and changes in happiness in 78 countries during the COVID-19 pandemic: An analysis of data from the World Happiness Reports. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1090340. [PMID: 36818129 PMCID: PMC9932538 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1090340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The concept of happiness is consistent across cultures to a significant extent, and encompasses both internal (subjective) and external (situational) aspects. Cultural values and norms shape emotions and behavior from an early age, and hence play a key role in influencing cross-national variations in happiness. Cross-national variations in culture can thus play a key role in influencing the relationship between adverse circumstances, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, and happiness. The current study examines the relationship between the six dimensions of culture, defined by Hofstede and his colleagues, and subjective ratings of happiness in 78 countries, obtained before (2017-19) and during (2020-21) the COVID-19 pandemic, based on data from the most recent World Happiness reports. The key results were: (a) countries were as likely to experience an increase as a decrease in self-reported happiness during this period; (b) distinct domains of culture were significantly correlated with happiness at each time point, though there was a certain degree of overlap; (c) pre-pandemic levels of happiness were negatively associated with changes in happiness during the pandemic; and (d) among cultural dimensions, long-term orientation was positively associated with changes in subjective happiness, while indulgence was negatively associated with this variable. Certain cultural values may play an important part in fostering a path to well-being in the face of stressful or traumatic circumstances. This path may be similar to the concept of mature happiness, derived from existential philosophy, which is characterized by achieving a balance between the positive and negative aspects of one's life.
Collapse
|
16
|
De Paola J, Pirttilä-Backman AM. Are we bad winners? Public understandings of the United Nations' World Happiness Report among Finnish digital media and their readers. Public Underst Sci 2023; 32:20-39. [PMID: 36468651 PMCID: PMC9814021 DOI: 10.1177/09636625221132380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
In this research, we investigate the public understanding of the World Happiness Report within the context of its highest-ranking country: Finland. We analyse how two actors, Finnish online media and their readers, understood the publication as well as the concept being measured: happiness. Digital media adopted an ambivalent stance towards both the World Happiness Report ('sports victory' vs 'societal problems') and the concept of happiness ('reticence to define happiness' vs 'secrets of Finnish happiness'). Readers agreeing with the World Happiness Report define Finland as an 'almost utopia' while readers disagreeing with the World Happiness Report, in addition to presenting a reversed image of Finland ('almost dystopia'), further justify their distrust towards the World Happiness Report by attacking the publication, its authors and the participants (Finns). Both actors carefully construct their understanding of happiness to fit their arguments aimed at the glorification/scandalization of the World Happiness Report.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer De Paola
- Jennifer De Paola, University of Helsinki, Unioninkatu 33, 00170 Helsinki, Finland.
| | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Joshanloo M. Mental Balance in 116 Nations: Where It Is Experienced and Valued. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022; 19:12457. [PMID: 36231758 PMCID: PMC9564841 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191912457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Mental balance, defined as a sense of tranquility resulting from inner peace and harmonious interactions with the external environment, is an important but largely overlooked aspect of well-being. Using data from the Gallup World Poll (N = 121,207), this study developed a global index of mental balance and a measure of preference for mental balance (as opposed to excitement) across 116 countries. The study examined the global and regional distribution of these two variables and their intercorrelations with a variety of social, economic, cultural, and well-being variables. The results showed that, whereas national wealth and sociopolitical context were the strongest predictors of experiencing mental balance, these variables were not associated with preference for mental balance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohsen Joshanloo
- Department of Psychology, Keimyung University, 1095 Dalgubeol Boulevard, Dalseo-gu, Daegu 42601, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Baumann D, Ruch W. What constitutes a fulfilled life? A mixed methods study on lay perspectives across the lifespan. Front Psychol 2022; 13:982782. [PMID: 36248492 PMCID: PMC9563392 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.982782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, we initiated a new research line on fulfillment in life by developing a conceptual framework and a self-report measure. To enhance conceptual clarity and complement theoretical considerations and empirical findings, we investigated lay conceptions of a fulfilled life in German-speaking participants at different life stages. First, we selected a qualitative approach using an open-ended question asking participants to describe a fulfilled life. Second, for a more comprehensive understanding, quantitative data were collected about the relevance of sources in providing fulfillment and ratings on a fulfilling life in the present and a fulfilled life in retrospect. Qualitative content analysis was used to assess the responses to the open-ended question. One-fifth of the data was double coded, and intercoder reliability was high (Kappa = 0.89). Responses comprised a variety of descriptions, and we grouped them into seven themes, three of which overlapped with the prior conceptualization, namely the core elements of (a) general description, (b) cognitive appraisals, and (c) affective appraisals. Cognitive evaluations related to intrapersonal aspects, particularly having lived life fully, attained personally significant goals, and developed oneself, as well as interpersonal, generative aspects, such as having made a contribution and been able to leave something of value. These categories are mostly in line with what the Fulfilled Life Scale (FLS) measures. Further themes referred to correlates—including (d) sources—and antecedents, including (e) resources, (f) personal characteristics, and (g) quality of life, all considered worthy to be the subject of empirical investigation but which were not included in the conceptual model. Qualitative and quantitative results suggest that individuals derive fulfillment from different sources. Fulfillment from a profession and having a life task was strongly associated with longer-term fulfillment. Only a few age and sex differences were found. The overarching framework developed from the qualitative results can stimulate further investigation. Our findings underscore that a fulfilled life as a distinct construct should be measured directly rather than via a proxy. Insights into the constituents, sources, and antecedents of a fulfilled life can inform practice to promote a life well lived.
Collapse
|
19
|
Mourad F, Mangialavori S, Delle Fave A. Resilience and Experience of the COVID-19 Pandemic among Italian University Students: A Mixed-Method Study. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022; 19:ijerph191811714. [PMID: 36141988 PMCID: PMC9517496 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191811714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
A vast amount of literature has highlighted that restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, such as lockdowns and the resulting interruption of face-to-face academic activities, strongly disrupted students' daily routine and undermined their well-being. Through a mixed method approach, this study was aimed at investigating the association between students' experience of the health emergency and their resilience levels during the first pandemic outbreak. Between April and May 2020, 421 Italian university students attending Health Sciences, Humanities, and Political Sciences courses completed the Resilience Scale for Adults (RSA), provided narratives about the emergency by answering an open-ended question, and filled out a demographic questionnaire. Results showed that narratives about community/society issues were by far the most recurrent ones across disciplinary areas, while a significantly higher percentage of students from Humanities focused on study/university. Health Sciences students were more likely to provide narratives concerning social commitment, and they reported significantly higher resilience levels than Humanities students. A higher percentage of students with moderate resilience focused their narratives on the study/university domain, compared to students with high resilience. Findings suggest the importance of supporting students' resilience to counterbalance their academic concerns in both times of crisis and ordinary times.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Firas Mourad
- Department of Physiotherapy, Exercise and Sports, LUNEX International University of Health, 4671 Differdange, Luxembourg
- Luxembourg Health & Sport Sciences Research Institute A.s.b.l., 50, Avenue du Parc des Sports, 4671 Differdange, Luxembourg
| | - Sonia Mangialavori
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Francesco Sforza 35, 20122 Milan, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Antonella Delle Fave
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Francesco Sforza 35, 20122 Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Uchida Y, Nakayama M, Bowen KS. Interdependence of Emotion: Conceptualization, Evidence, and Social Implications From Cultural Psychology. Curr Dir Psychol Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1177/09637214221109584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
People feel a wide range of emotions. In many psychological traditions, emotions are defined as primarily emerging from within the individual, even if influenced by external factors (e.g., approval from other people). This definition is consistent with an independent self-construal. However, in some contexts, emotions are understood to have more interdependent characteristics that can be shared with other people and that arise from social contexts and collective, shared situations. We define the lay theory of interdependence of emotion as the perception that emotional experience or its causes and consequences are shared with other people. Interdependence of emotion can be conceptualized along a spectrum, rather than as categorical. Additionally, the degree to which people understand emotions as interdependent likely varies by cultural context. In this article, we review studies that have investigated this lay theory of emotions across cultures, focusing on function. We suggest that people from non-WEIRD cultures (i.e., cultures that are not Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, and Democratic) are more likely than others to experience emotions as interdependent. Next, we highlight examples of this interdependence, focusing on two specific emotions: happiness and awe, which may have both independent and interdependent elements. The mechanisms and functions of the lay theory of interdependence of emotions are discussed using the example of a current collective threat, COVID-19.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yukiko Uchida
- Institute for the Future of Human Society, Kyoto University
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Huang L, Kern ML, Oades LG. Chinese international students’ conceptualizations of wellbeing: A prototype analysis. Front Psychol 2022; 13:939576. [PMID: 36092054 PMCID: PMC9450937 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.939576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Wellbeing can mean different things to different people, even in the same culture with the same language. People living at the intersection of two languages and cultures, such as Chinese students studying in an English-speaking nation, not only speak a different language than their host country, but also may have different conceptualizations of wellbeing itself. This study investigated Chinese international students’ (aged 18–39, N = 123) conceptualizations of wellbeing using a modified prototype analysis, which provided insights on people’s underlying structure of the construct as revealed through language. Chinese international students’ conceptualizations of wellbeing were prototypically structured; key components of wellbeing included positive relationships, security, positivity/optimism, physical health, and self-strength. The findings broaden the understanding of layperson wellbeing conceptualizations, provide insights into the wellbeing related concepts and language that are most used by international Chinese students, and inform strategies that tertiary education institutions might adopt to effectively support Chinese international students’ wellbeing.
Collapse
|
22
|
Nilsson AH, Friedrichs K, Kajonius P. Know Thyself! Predicting Subjective Well-Being from personality estimation discrepancy and self-insight. Curr Psychol 2022; 42:1-10. [PMID: 35967501 PMCID: PMC9361999 DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-03396-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Discrepancies in views of the Self are suggested to be negatively related to well-being (Higgins, 1987). In the present study, we used a novel concept, Personality Estimation Discrepancy (PED), to test this classic idea. PED is defined as the computed difference between how one view oneself (Self-Perceived Personality) and a standard Big Five test (IPIP-NEO-30). In a pre-registered (osf.io) UK online study (N = 297; Mage = 37, SD = 14) we analyzed: (1) whether PED would predict Subjective Well-Being (SWB; Harmony in Life, Satisfaction with Life, Positive affect, Negative Affect) and Self-Insight, and (2) whether Self-Insight would mediate the relationship between PED and SWB. The results showed that underestimation of Extraversion, Conscientiousness, and Emotional Stability indeed is associated with both high SWB and high Self-Insight. However, these effects mostly disappeared when controlling for the Big Five test scores. Furthermore, Self-Insight largely (42.9%) mediated the relationship between the mis-estimation and SWB. We interpret these finding such that the relationship of mis-estimating one's personality with SWB and Self-Insight are mostly explained by the Big Five factors, yet the discrepancy is a dependent feature of scoring particularly high or low on certain personality traits. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12144-022-03396-1.
Collapse
|
23
|
Olivos F, Olivos-Jara P, Moyano-Díaz E. Causal Attributions of Happiness and Critical Events. Social Psychology 2022. [DOI: 10.1027/1864-9335/a000484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Abstract. This study extends the literature on people’s understanding of happiness by asking whether positive and negative events could affect the causal attributions of what makes others happy. Using a factorial survey applied to a representative and probabilistic sample of Chileans, we examined three central causal attributions deeply rooted in Latin American folk culture. The results show that the positive family causal attribution of others’ happiness is reinforced by both negative and positive events that happened to the observer. Moreover, the attributions of health and income are unchanged. Finally, we discussed how this study contributes to understanding people’s causal attributions by examining how they are modified by critical events that affect the observer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Olivos
- Department of Sociology and Social Policy, Lingnan University, Tuen Mun, Hong Kong, SAR
| | - Pablo Olivos-Jara
- School of Labour Relations and Human Resources, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Albacete, Spain
| | - Emilio Moyano-Díaz
- Department of Social and Organizational Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Universidad de Talca, Talca, Chile
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Ali SB, Ahmad MJ, Ramzan I, Ali M, Khan K. Exploring the Nexus Between Mindfulness, Gratitude, and Wellbeing Among Youth With the Mediating Role of Hopefulness: A South Asian Perspective. Front Psychol 2022; 13:915667. [PMID: 35936309 PMCID: PMC9346554 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.915667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
This study investigates the relationship between mindfulness, gratitude, and psychological wellbeing of young individuals in Pakistan with the potential role of hopefulness as a mediator between mindfulness, gratitude, and wellbeing. Data were collected from young individuals (18–40 years old) from Pakistan. A total sample of 500 participants was collected by employing the online survey questionnaire, and 374 questionnaires were duly filled and returned. The PLS-SEM technique was used to test the proposed hypotheses. The results of the study found that there is a strong direct relationship between gratitude, mindfulness, and hopefulness, and mindfulness is also strongly correlated with wellbeing. However, the relationship between gratitude and wellbeing was not statistically significant. Moreover, the mediation results reveal that the relationship between mindfulness, gratitude, and wellbeing is significantly mediated by hopefulness. This shows that gratitude and mindfulness are crucial in enhancing wellbeing through hopefulness. This study is an important contribution to validating the broaden-and-build theory, which suggests that hopelessness is a significant factor of a depressive state. It can be indicated that inducing hopefulness could be a significant element of the treatment plan of professional clinical psychologists.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Iqra Ramzan
- Department of Psychology, Iqra University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Ali
- Department of Business Administration, Hazara University, Mansehra, Pakistan
| | - Kalimullah Khan
- Department of Business Administration, Kardan University, Kabul, Afghanistan
- *Correspondence: Kalimullah Khan
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Abstract
Happiness is an increasingly prominent topic of interest across academia. However, relatively little attention has been paid to how it is created, especially not in a multidimensional sense. By ‘created’ we do not mean its influencing factors, for which there is extensive research, but how it actually forms in the person. The work that has been done in this arena tends to focus on physiological dynamics, which are certainly part of the puzzle. But they are not the whole picture, with psychological, phenomenological, and socio cultural processes also playing their part. As a result, this paper offers a multidimensional overview of scholarship on the ‘architecture’ of happiness, providing a stimulus for further work into this important topic.
Collapse
|
26
|
El Mallah S. Engaging Historically Marginalized Youth in Participatory Research: A Practical Guide to Promote Cultural Specificity in Measurement Validation. Journal of Adolescent Research 2022. [DOI: 10.1177/07435584221097137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Racially and ethnically diverse populations from minoritized backgrounds are often exposed to research methodologies that amplify structural racism and negate their sociocultural reality. Although cross-cultural validation of measures is considered a requisite step to multigroup comparisons, researchers apply measures validated and standardized in the dominant White culture to under-researched populations (without assessing measurement equivalence first). Seeking to align with calls for more culturally sensitive measures, an argument is made to leverage youth participatory approaches in the cross-cultural validation of study instruments. Using an illustrative case study, this paper describes how 16 youth researchers (predominantly Hispanic) partnered with an academic team to examine the validity of the Prosocial Behavior Scale. A new tool, the Key Informant Validity Index, is introduced to determine if items maintain adequate levels of content validity when applied to populations that differ from the original norming and validation study samples. Youth researchers rated items on relevance, clarity and coverage, and use a guided protocol to conduct cognitive interviews with 32 youth participants. Recognizing the inherent challenges of reducing hierarchal power dynamics within youth-adult relationships and/or alleviating insider/outsider tensions across lines of cultural difference, an intentional focus is placed on naming key strategies that facilitated the collaboration process.
Collapse
|
27
|
Xia X, Yu Y, Zou Y. Air pollution, social engagement and subjective well-being: evidence from the Gallup World Poll. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2022; 29:52033-52056. [PMID: 35254619 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-19451-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The link between air pollution and individual happiness is widely documented. However, the role of social engagement in pollution reduction is seldom considered in the nexus. As such, using large individual-level data from the Gallup World Poll of 151 countries for 2005-2018, this study applies a pooled cross-sectional data approach (controlling for country and year fixed effects) to examine the impact of air pollution on individual happiness and the role of social engagement in shaping the pollution-happiness relationship. The key findings of this study reveal that better air quality raises personal subjective well-being, given that the coefficient of individuals' perceived air quality is positive and statistically significant. More importantly, social engagement in pollution reduction is found to play an important moderating role in shaping the pollution-happiness relationship. Moreover, using a series of robustness checks, such as applying an alternative measure of happiness, an alternative measure of air quality (objective air quality), and using an instrumental variable estimation approach, confirms the positive effect of air quality (perceived or objective) on improving individuals' happiness and the moderating role of social engagement. Furthermore, this study reveals that different demographic characteristics (i.e., age, sex, income, marital status, and urban/rural residence) respond differently to the adverse effects of air pollution and the moderating role of social engagement in pollution reduction. Thus, some policies can be revised and proposed in light of the novel findings of social engagement. In particular, the government should take an active role in combating air pollution and improving air quality by increasing financial input and strengthening environmental protection publicity. The limitations of the study and directions for future research are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xue Xia
- School of Applied Economics, Renmin University of China, Beijing, China
| | - Yihua Yu
- School of Applied Economics, Renmin University of China, Beijing, China.
| | - Yuhan Zou
- School of Applied Economics, Renmin University of China, Beijing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Nilsson AH, Hellryd E, Kjell O. Doing well-being: Self-reported activities are related to subjective well-being. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0270503. [PMID: 35749555 PMCID: PMC9232132 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0270503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Activities and Subjective Well-Being (SWB) have been shown to be intricately related to each other. However, no research to date has shown whether individuals understand how their everyday activities relate to their SWB. Furthermore, the assessment of activities has been limited to predefined types of activities and/or closed-ended questions. In two studies, we examine the relationship between self-reported everyday activities and SWB, while allowing individuals to express their activities freely by allowing open-ended responses that were then analyzed with state-of-the-art (transformers-based) Natural Language Processing. In study 1 (N = 284), self-reports of Yesterday's Activities did not significantly relate to SWB, whereas activities reported as having the most impact on SWB in the past four weeks had small but significant correlations to most of the SWB scales (r = .14 -.23, p < .05). In Study 2 (N = 295), individuals showed strong agreement with each other about activities that they considered to increase or decrease SWB (AUC = .995). Words describing activities that increased SWB related to physically and cognitively active activities and social activities ("football", "meditation", "friends"), whereas words describing activities that decreased SWB were mainly activity features related to imbalance ("too", "much", "enough"). Individuals reported both activities and descriptive words that reflect their SWB, where the activity words had generally small but significant correlations to SWB (r =. 17 -.33, p < .05) and the descriptive words had generally strong correlations to SWB (r = .39-63, p < .001). We call this correlational gap the well-being/activity description gap and discuss possible explanations for the phenomenon.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Erik Hellryd
- Department of Psychology, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Oscar Kjell
- Department of Psychology, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Krasko J, Intelisano S, Luhmann M. When Happiness is Both Joy and Purpose: The Complexity of the Pursuit of Happiness and Well-Being is Related to Actual Well-Being. J Happiness Stud 2022; 23:3233-3261. [PMID: 36221298 PMCID: PMC9546977 DOI: 10.1007/s10902-022-00541-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
People differ in how they define and pursue happiness and well-being (HWB). Previous studies suggested that the best way to achieve a high level of well-being might be to pursue different facets of HWB simultaneously. We expand on this idea and introduce the concept of complexity of HWB definitions to describe how many HWB definitions people endorse simultaneously, and the complexity of HWB-related intentions to describe how many unique facets of HWB people intend to pursue in everyday life. To operationalize these novel concepts, we developed two parallel measures that integrate psychological and philosophical definitions of HWB. In two independent studies (total N = 542), exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses revealed eight reliable and valid factors for both parallel scales: absence of negativity, positive attitude, tranquility, personal development, luck, joy and desires, purpose, and belonging. Complexity of HWB-related intentions was positively associated with all facets of well-being, whereas complexity of HWB definitions was only positively associated with some facets of well-being. HWB-related intentions and their complexity emerged as more important for the experience of well-being than HWB definitions and their complexity. These studies highlight the importance of a multifaceted conceptualization of HWB when investigating how the pursuit of HWB is related to actual levels of well-being.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julia Krasko
- Department of Psychology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | | | - Maike Luhmann
- Department of Psychology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
van Schalkwyk I, Streicher C, Naidoo AV, Rabie S, Jäckel-Visser M, van den Berg F. Teacher Evaluation of a Self-Directed Career Guidance Intervention for South African Secondary School Learners Amidst Severe COVID-19 Restrictions. Front Psychol 2022; 13:854748. [PMID: 35418916 PMCID: PMC8995555 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.854748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The South African government’s COVID-19 pandemic risk mitigation strategies significantly limited social contact, which necessitated a novel approach to existing face-to-face career guidance practices. The Grade 9 Career Guidance Project, originally developed as a group-based career development intervention, required radical adaptation into a self-directed, manualized format to offer career guidance to Grade 9 learners from low-income communities amid a global pandemic. The adaptation and continuation of the project was deemed essential as secondary school learners in low-income communities have limited career guidance support. Furthermore, a close collaboration with the teachers at eight resource-constrained South African secondary schools was vital for successful implementation. To assess the success of the adaptation to a self-directed format, a mixed-methods design was employed, and Life Orientation teachers’ evaluative feedback was solicited (n = 11). Favorable quantitative results were obtained; majority of teachers agreed that learners enjoyed the booklet (manualized format) and that it was deemed an adequate substitute to the previous contact-based format of the Career Guidance Project. This was also confirmed by the qualitative findings revealing teachers’ satisfaction with the booklet’s content, specifically that the booklet is complementary to the Life Orientation curriculum. Qualitative findings identified specific contextual barriers that contributed to some learners struggling to use the booklet optimally. The results suggest that it is feasible and acceptable to implement a self-directed career guidance intervention among secondary school learners amid a global pandemic. Teachers recommended ways to integrate the booklet, resources, and contact sessions as a preferred way forward. These findings have important implications for similar resource-constrained settings that may not have readily access to in-person career guidance and counseling human development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Izanette van Schalkwyk
- Africa Unit for Transdisciplinary Health Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Chantel Streicher
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Anthony V Naidoo
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Stephan Rabie
- HIV Mental Health Research Unit, Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Michelle Jäckel-Visser
- Department of Industrial Psychology, Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Francois van den Berg
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Kjell ONE, Sikström S, Kjell K, Schwartz HA. Natural language analyzed with AI-based transformers predict traditional subjective well-being measures approaching the theoretical upper limits in accuracy. Sci Rep 2022; 12:3918. [PMID: 35273198 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-07520-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
We show that using a recent break-through in artificial intelligence –transformers–, psychological assessments from text-responses can approach theoretical upper limits in accuracy, converging with standard psychological rating scales. Text-responses use people's primary form of communication –natural language– and have been suggested as a more ecologically-valid response format than closed-ended rating scales that dominate social science. However, previous language analysis techniques left a gap between how accurately they converged with standard rating scales and how well ratings scales converge with themselves – a theoretical upper-limit in accuracy. Most recently, AI-based language analysis has gone through a transformation as nearly all of its applications, from Web search to personalized assistants (e.g., Alexa and Siri), have shown unprecedented improvement by using transformers. We evaluate transformers for estimating psychological well-being from questionnaire text- and descriptive word-responses, and find accuracies converging with rating scales that approach the theoretical upper limits (Pearson r = 0.85, p < 0.001, N = 608; in line with most metrics of rating scale reliability). These findings suggest an avenue for modernizing the ubiquitous questionnaire and ultimately opening doors to a greater understanding of the human condition.
Collapse
|
32
|
Singh K, Bandyopadhyay S, Saxena G. An Exploratory Study on Subjective Perceptions of Happiness From India. Front Psychol 2022; 13:823496. [PMID: 35185737 PMCID: PMC8850986 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.823496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed at understanding the subjective perception of happiness in a sample of Indian participants from diverse socio-economic backgrounds. Using convenience sampling, individual interviews were conducted with 60 participants aged between 19 to 73 years (M Age = 40 years). This study employed reflexive thematic analysis to analyse the written transcripts. Nine themes were generated which captured the essence of happiness for Indians—Feelings and Expressions of Happiness; Human Ties and Happiness which encompassed four sub-themes—family bond, the company one keeps, the pandemic and social disengagement, and the nation, society and happiness; Satisfaction with Material Needs and Resources; Lifestyle and Health; Work and Play; Accomplishment and Appreciation; Nature Connectedness; Religious and Spiritual beliefs; and Happiness as a Personal responsibility—Role of Positive Personality Traits. These findings revealed our respondent's multidimensional conceptualization of happiness, and adds to the growing body of happiness literature from the South Asian context.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kamlesh Singh
- Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Shilpa Bandyopadhyay
- Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Gaurav Saxena
- Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi, India
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Wissing MP. Beyond the "Third Wave of Positive Psychology": Challenges and Opportunities for Future Research. Front Psychol 2022; 12:795067. [PMID: 35095679 PMCID: PMC8795509 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.795067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The positive psychology (PP) landscape is changing, and its initial identity is being challenged. Moving beyond the “third wave of PP,” two roads for future research and practice in well-being studies are discerned: The first is the state of the art PP trajectory that will (for the near future) continue as a scientific (sub)discipline in/next to psychology (because of its popular brand name). The second trajectory (main focus of this manuscript) links to pointers described as part of the so-called third wave of PP, which will be argued as actually being the beginning of a new domain of inter- or transdisciplinary well-being studies in its own right. It has a broader scope than the state of the art in PP, but is more delineated than in planetary well-being studies. It is in particular suitable to understand the complex nature of bio-psycho-social-ecological well-being, and to promote health and wellness in times of enormous challenges and changes. A unique cohering focus for this post-disciplinary well-being research domain is proposed. In both trajectories, future research will have to increase cognizance of metatheoretical assumptions, develop more encompassing theories to bridge the conceptual fragmentation in the field, and implement methodological reforms, while keeping context and the interwovenness of the various levels of the scientific text in mind. Opportunities are indicated to contribute to the discourse on the identity and development of scientific knowledge in mainstream positive psychology and the evolving post-disciplinary domain of well-being studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marié P Wissing
- Africa Unit for Transdisciplinary Health Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Heinonen E, Orlinsky DE, Willutzki U, Rønnestad MH, Schröder T, Messina I, Löffler-Stastka H, Hartmann A. Psychotherapist Trainees' Quality of Life: Patterns and Correlates. Front Psychol 2022; 13:864691. [PMID: 35401345 PMCID: PMC8988184 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.864691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
While psychotherapists are trained to improve their clients' quality of life, little work has examined the quality of life experienced by psychotherapist trainees themselves. Yet their life satisfactions and stresses would plausibly affect both their ability to learn new skills and conduct psychotherapy. Therefore, in the Society for Psychotherapy Research Interest Section on Psychotherapist Development and Training study, we investigated the patterns of self-reported life quality and their correlates in a multinational sample of 1,214 psychotherapist trainees. A comprehensive questionnaire was used at the outset of trainings to assess trainees' professional background, current life situation, personal characteristics, family background, and social and national origin. The findings indicated 54.3% of trainees' lives could be characterized as fortunate or happy (i.e., experiencing great life satisfaction and not much stress), whereas 14.3% could be characterized as clearly distressed or troubled (i.e., experiencing great life stress and not much satisfaction). The strongest correlates of high life stress, a contributor to poor life quality, were economic insecurity, self-protectiveness, and attachment-related anxiety in relationships, and economic or psychological hardship in childhood. In turn, greater wellbeing was most strongly associated with a warm and open interpersonal style, being married, having sufficient economic means, and material and emotional security in childhood. While the results indicate the majority of therapists experience a relatively good quality of life, the findings also suggest potential targets for increasing trainees' life quality when it may be deficient, such as those on a societal level (e.g., availability of low-cost student loans), training program level (e.g., promoting supportive supervision, positive between-trainee relationships and group collaboration), and individual level (e.g., personal therapy and learning self-care), in order to promote effective learning and therapy practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erkki Heinonen
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
- *Correspondence: Erkki Heinonen,
| | - David E. Orlinsky
- Department of Comparative Human Development, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Ulrike Willutzki
- Department of Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Witten/Herdecke, Witten, Germany
| | | | - Thomas Schröder
- Division of Psychiatry and Applied Psychology, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Armin Hartmann
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Tan CS, Chong SL, Masanda AB, George S. Psychometric Qualities Evaluation of the Interdependent Happiness Scale across Malaysia, Philippines, and India. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021; 19:ijerph19010187. [PMID: 35010446 PMCID: PMC8751005 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19010187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
The nine-item Interdependent Happiness Scale (IHS; Hitokoto & Uchida, 2015) is a self-report of interpersonal happiness that focuses on three dimensions: relationship-oriented happiness, quiescent happiness, and ordinary happiness. Few studies have evaluated the psychometric properties of the IHS in diverse cultural backgrounds and the findings are inconsistent. This study investigated whether the IHS has sound psychometric qualities in three Asian countries. University students from Malaysia (n = 263), Philippines (n = 239), and India (n = 310) answered the IHS and self-rated creativity scale. Confirmatory factor analysis on each sample supported the nine-item second-order model with error covariances. The overall IHS score showed good reliability in all samples. The subscales, however, had mixed results except for the Indian sample. Similarly, the convergent validity test showed mixed results while discriminant validity is supported in all samples except for the quiescent happiness subscale in the Indian sample. Concurrent validity was established across three samples by showing a positive relationship with creativity score. The results highlight that the higher-order structure of the IHS is consistently supported in different cultural contexts. However, some of the items are perceived differently and require further improvement in enhancing the cross-cultural usability of the IHS to measure socially-oriented happiness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chee-Seng Tan
- Department of Psychology and Counselling, Faculty of Arts and Social Science, University Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR), Kampar 31900, Malaysia
| | - Shue-Ling Chong
- Department of Psychology, School of Medicine, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia;
| | - Argel Bondoc Masanda
- Guidance Services Unit, Office of Student Affairs, Central Luzon State University, Science City of Munoz 3119, Nueva Ecija, Philippines;
| | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Damberg S, Frömbling L. "Furry tales": pet ownership's influence on subjective well-being during Covid-19 times. Qual Quant 2021; 56:3645-3664. [PMID: 34955563 PMCID: PMC8693845 DOI: 10.1007/s11135-021-01303-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The social distancing required during Covid-19 times tended to make people feel lonelier than usual. Those with pets might, however, have experienced this less, because pets are known for fostering their owners’ subjective well-being. Building on a recently published structural equation model, our study enhances the understanding of subjective well-being by including the construct social distancing during Covid-19 times. In order to answer our research question—How does human-pet relationship need support influence subjective well-being by considering social isolation during Covid-19 times?—we build on the basic needs theory, assuming that humans as well as their pets have an inherent need of autonomy, relatedness, and competence. Using a multivariate data analysis method, namely partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM), we establish a path model and examine the relationship between human-pet relationship need support and subjective well-being by including psychological distress and social isolation during Covid-19 times as mediators. We operationalize subjective well-being as a three-dimensional construct consisting of positive affect, happiness, and life satisfaction. In a sample of 215 pet owners in the USA, supporting their need increases subjective well-being, and decreases the psychological distress and loneliness caused by social isolation during Covid-19 times. Furthermore, psychological distress decreases subjective well-being, whereas perceived loneliness during Covid-19 times does not. Our main contributions are to not only enhance our knowledge on the importance of human-pet relationships in critical times, but also to provide policy makers with insights into what influences people’s subjective well-being, which is closely related to their psychological health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Svenja Damberg
- Institute of Human Resource Management and Organizations (W-9), Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH), Am Schwarzenberg-Campus 4(D), 21073 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Lena Frömbling
- Institute of Human Resource Management and Organizations (W-9), Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH), Am Schwarzenberg-Campus 4(D), 21073 Hamburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Bornmann T, Randle H, Williams J. Investigating Equestrians' Perceptions of Horse Happiness: An Exploratory Study. J Equine Vet Sci 2021; 104:103697. [PMID: 34416986 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2021.103697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 06/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Happiness is a subjective feeling and associated with positive affective states that can indicate good welfare. It is becoming increasingly agreed that equestrians' ability to recognize indicators of positive emotions has the potential to enhance overall horse wellbeing, but research in this area is limited. Therefore, this study investigated equestrians' perceptions of horse happiness. A survey comprising 25 questions was distributed through equestrian-related social media (internationally) and yielded 332 valid responses. Frequency analysis was conducted within each factor category (e.g., rider type). Pearson chi-squared and Fisher's exact test determined if differences occurred between the tested factor categories (significance level: P < .05). The majority of respondents believed that they were able to recognize when their horses were happy (94%, n = 332; P < .0001) whilst 92.8% (n = 332; P < .0001) believed that their horses could be described as happy. The majority of participants who indicated that they were able to recognize when their horses were happy also believed that their horses were: happy when they interacted with them (98.3%, n = 295; P < .001); when they rode them (83%, n = 270; P < .0001); when they worked them (i.e., unmounted work) (82.7%, n = 312; P < .0001). The largest respondent proportion believed that horses who were very "forward"/energetic every time they were being ridden could be best described as "rather happy" (36.4%, n = 332). Owners more frequently believed that horses were "rather happy" if they did not react to loud noises/scary objects (30.9%, n = 285; P < .013). These results suggest that some equestrians may have overconfidence in interpreting equine affective states. Furthermore, some respondents may have incorrectly perceived behaviors potentially indicating negative emotions as indicators of happiness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Hayley Randle
- School of Animal and Veterinary Science, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, Australia
| | - Jane Williams
- Department of Equine Science, Hartpury University, Gloucester, UK
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Bahl NKH, Nafstad HE, Blakar RM, Langvik E. Living in the Era of an Ideological Climate of Globalisation: A Study of Psychological Sense of Community Among Young and Older Adults in Two Cultures (India and Norway). Challenges for Community Psychology and the Applied Social Sciences. Front Psychol 2021; 12:718190. [PMID: 34393957 PMCID: PMC8355497 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.718190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
How do people describe the psychological sense of community (PSOC) in the present day ideological climate of globalising neo-liberalism, assuming that people are essentially individualistic, that solidarity, social commitment, and citizenship are not natural dispositions, as we all are the lonely citizen? This issue is addressed by a mixed-methods study using semi-structured interviews with two age groups-young and older people-from two different cultures-India (Mumbai) and Norway (Oslo). This two by two design gives the opportunity to analyse people's meaning systems of PSOC, asking; is there a core meaning system of PSOC shared by people within as well as across cultures? Belongingness and citizenship are continuously formed and negotiated, just at the intersection of two dimensions: culture and historical time. The young and older adult informants often live in different "historical times." The meaning systems of PSOC were explored and compared by language analyses of words used by the informants. Text search queries were made for 69 words. "Help,", "care," "different," "problem," and "family" were identified as central for further in-depth qualitative analyses. The word, "family" demonstrated high frequencies of use across sub-samples. There was nothing more relevant for the groups than the family when thinking of PSOC, revealing almost a "prior to society perspective." PSOC is about being part of families. Simultaneously, we are members of other communities: schools, workplaces, neighborhoods, cities and nations. The informants mentioned such communities, but not often. Feeling part of the family, helping and caring not only the family but also your neighbourhood, local community, or national and global communities are particularly necessary today, as we live in a time where communities, societies, and nations across the world are heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. In this crisis, it is vital that nobody forgets that we are national and transnational citizens and part of many interrelated social systems. This study points out how community psychology and the applied social sciences can work to strengthen the feelings of connections to other communities, societies, and nations outlining and co-creating transformative multi-level interventions of public policy programmes of inclusion and "we-ness."
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nina Kavita H. Bahl
- Department of Research and Development, Clinic of Substance Use and Addiction Medicine, St. Olavs University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Psychology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | | | | | - Eva Langvik
- Department of Psychology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Blasco-Belled A, Rogoza R, Alsinet C, Torrelles-Nadal C. Fear of happiness through the prism of the dual continua model of mental health. J Clin Psychol 2021; 77:2245-2261. [PMID: 34028022 DOI: 10.1002/jclp.23165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Two studies were conducted to investigate fear of happiness through the lens of the dual continua model of mental health. METHODS In Study 1, we examined whether depression (indicator of mental illness) and happiness (indicator of mental health) predicted fear of happiness through a Structural Equation Model. In Study 2, we ran a quasi-experimental design to examine differences in affect (positive and negative), happiness and depression when engaging in either fearless or fearful beliefs of happiness. RESULTS Fear of happiness was positively and negatively predicted by depression and happiness, respectively. Fearless individuals reported higher positive affect and happiness, and lower negative affect and depression, than fearful individuals. CONCLUSIONS Fearing happiness might act as a maladaptive self-verifying motive to enhance one's perspective of the world. Given the likelihood of modifying maladaptive cognitive patterns, we highlight different psychological interventions that can address the negative impact of fearful beliefs of happiness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Radosław Rogoza
- Institute of Psychology, Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University in Warsaw, Warszawa, Poland
| | - Carles Alsinet
- Department of Psychology, University of Lleida, Lleida, Spain
| | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Germani F, Kellmeyer P, Wäscher S, Biller-Andorno N. Engineering Minds? Ethical Considerations on Biotechnological Approaches to Mental Health, Well-Being, and Human Flourishing. Trends Biotechnol 2021; 39:1111-1113. [PMID: 33958228 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2021.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Our bodies can be designed and modified in accordance with our ideals of health and well-being. These increasingly targeted and personalized interventions will be more effective than current therapies. Here we review technologies to alter mood, and explore the ethics of bioengineering approaches to mental health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Federico Germani
- Institute of Biomedical Ethics and History of Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Philipp Kellmeyer
- Institute of Biomedical Ethics and History of Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Neuroethics and AI Ethics Lab, Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Center Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; Freiburg Institute for Advanced Studies (FRIAS), University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Sebastian Wäscher
- Institute of Biomedical Ethics and History of Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Nikola Biller-Andorno
- Institute of Biomedical Ethics and History of Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Carreno DF, Eisenbeck N, Pérez-Escobar JA, García-Montes JM. Inner Harmony as an Essential Facet of Well-Being: A Multinational Study During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Front Psychol 2021; 12:648280. [PMID: 33841286 PMCID: PMC8034265 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.648280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to explore the role of two models of well-being in the prediction of psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic, namely PERMA and mature happiness. According to PERMA, well-being is mainly composed of five elements: positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning in life, and achievement. Instead, mature happiness is understood as a positive mental state characterized by inner harmony, calmness, acceptance, contentment, and satisfaction with life. Rooted in existential positive psychology, this harmony-based happiness represents the result of living in balance between positive and negative aspects of one's life. We hypothesized that mature happiness would be a more prominent protective factor during the present pandemic than the PERMA composite. A total of 12,203 participants from 30 countries responded to an online survey including the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21), the PERMA-Profiler, and the Mature Happiness Scale-Revised (MHS-R). Confirmatory factor analyses indicated that PERMA and mature happiness were highly correlated, but nonetheless, they represented two separate factors. After controlling for demographic factors and country-level variables, both PERMA Well-being and MHS-R were negative predictors of psychological distress. Mature happiness was a better predictor of stress, anxiety, and general distress, while PERMA showed a higher prediction of depression. Mature happiness moderated the relation between the perceived noxious effects of the pandemic and all markers of distress (depression, anxiety, stress, and total DASS-21). Instead, PERMA acted as a moderator in the case of depression and stress. These findings indicate that inner harmony, according to the mature happiness theory, is an essential facet of well-being to be taken into consideration. The results of this study can also orient policies aimed to alleviate the negative effects of the pandemic on mental health through the promotion of well-being.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David F Carreno
- Department of Psychology, University of Almería, Almería, Spain
| | - Nikolett Eisenbeck
- Department of Personality, Evaluation and Psychological Treatment, Faculty of Psychology, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - José Antonio Pérez-Escobar
- Chair of History and Philosophy of Mathematics, Department of Humanities, Social and Political Sciences, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule (ETH) Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine measurement invariance of the Subjective Happiness Scale across countries, gender, and age groups and across time by multigroup confirmatory factor analysis. Altogether, 4,977 participants from nine European, American, and Australian countries were included in the study. Our results revealed that both configural and metric invariance held across countries, but scalar invariance was only partially confirmed with one item yielding varying intercepts in different countries. Measurement invariance was also confirmed across gender and age groups. Longitudinal measurement invariance was examined on a subsample of 478 English-speaking participants and was fully confirmed across five consecutive assessment points. Factor means were compared between groups and across time, and good convergent validity of the Subjective Happiness Scale was found in relation to a measure of temporal satisfaction with life. Overall, our results demonstrate that self-reported happiness was measured similarly in nine different countries, gender and age groups and over time, and provide a solid foundation for meaningful cross-group and cross-time comparisons in subjective happiness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Paul E Jose
- Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Germani A, Delvecchio E, Li JB, Lis A, Nartova-Bochaver SK, Vazsonyi AT, Mazzeschi C. The link between individualism-collectivism and life satisfaction among emerging adults from four countries. Appl Psychol Health Well Being 2021; 13:437-453. [PMID: 33565246 DOI: 10.1111/aphw.12259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The current investigation tested life satisfaction (LS), a cognitive component of subjective well-being, among emerging adults, in the context of individualism (I) and collectivism (C), by distinguishing both cultural and individual levels of analysis, considering their horizontal (H) and vertical (V) dimensions, and controlling age and gender effects. Emerging adults (N = 1760 university students, aged 18-25, Mage = 19.46, SDag = 1.50) located across four countries, namely China, Italy, Russia, and the USA, known to differ in the individualism index value (IDV), completed measures on the Horizontal and Vertical Individualism and Collectivism and Life Satisfaction. At the cultural level, an ANCOVA showed a significant country effects on LS. The post hoc comparisons indicated that the higher the country IDV score, the higher the average LS score, in the following order: Americans, Italians, Russians, and Chinese. At the individual level, LS was unrelated to HI and VI. Instead, it was associated with HC and VC. The positive link between LS and VC suggested an important role of family connectedness on LS across different cultures during emerging adulthood. However, contrary to previous studies, LS was unrelated to HI and VI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Germani
- Department of Philosophy, Social Sciences and Education, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Elisa Delvecchio
- Department of Philosophy, Social Sciences and Education, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Jian-Bin Li
- Department of Early Childhood Education, The Education University of Hong Kong, New Territories, Hong Kong
| | - Adriana Lis
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialization, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Sofya K Nartova-Bochaver
- Department of Psychology, National Research University Higher School of Economics, Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Claudia Mazzeschi
- Department of Philosophy, Social Sciences and Education, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Sofija E, Harris N, Phung D, Sav A, Sebar B. Does Flourishing Reduce Engagement in Unhealthy and Risky Lifestyle Behaviours in Emerging Adults? Int J Environ Res Public Health 2020; 17:E9472. [PMID: 33348792 PMCID: PMC7766773 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17249472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Emerging adulthood is a transitional life stage with increased probability of risky and unhealthy lifestyle behaviours that are known to have strong links with premature mortality and morbidity. Wellbeing, as a positive subjective experience, is identified as a factor that encourages self-care and may steer individuals away from risky lifestyle behaviours. Investigating wellbeing-behaviour links in the emerging adult population may increase understanding of the factors that lead to, and ways to prevent, engagement in risky behaviours. This study examines the association between flourishing, that is, the experience of both high hedonic and eudaimonic wellbeing, and a broad range of risky and unhealthy lifestyle behaviours among emerging adults in Australia. A cross-sectional survey of 1155 emerging adults aged 18-25 years measured wellbeing, socio-demographics, and six groups of lifestyle behaviours surrounding substance use, physical activity, diet, sex, sun protection, and driving. Bivariate and multivariate statistics were used to analyse the data. The findings revealed that flourishing was negatively associated with more dangerous types of risk behaviours, such as driving under the influence of drugs, and positively associated with self-care behaviours, such as healthier dietary behaviour and sun protection. If enabling emerging adults to flourish can contribute to reduced engagement in risky/unhealthy lifestyle behaviours, then promoting it is an important goal for health promotion efforts not only because flourishing is desirable in its own right, but also to bring about sustainable change in behaviour. Further research is needed to inform the designs of such interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ernesta Sofija
- School of Medicine, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Southport 4222, Australia; (N.H.); (D.P.); (B.S.)
| | - Neil Harris
- School of Medicine, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Southport 4222, Australia; (N.H.); (D.P.); (B.S.)
| | - Dung Phung
- School of Medicine, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Southport 4222, Australia; (N.H.); (D.P.); (B.S.)
| | - Adem Sav
- School of Public Health and Social Work, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove Campus, Brisbane 4059, Australia;
| | - Bernadette Sebar
- School of Medicine, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Southport 4222, Australia; (N.H.); (D.P.); (B.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Gardiner G, Lee D, Baranski E, Funder D. Happiness around the world: A combined etic-emic approach across 63 countries. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0242718. [PMID: 33296388 PMCID: PMC7725360 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0242718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
What does it mean to be happy? The vast majority of cross-cultural studies on happiness have employed a Western-origin, or "WEIRD" measure of happiness that conceptualizes it as a self-centered (or "independent"), high-arousal emotion. However, research from Eastern cultures, particularly Japan, conceptualizes happiness as including an interpersonal aspect emphasizing harmony and connectedness to others. Following a combined emic-etic approach (Cheung, van de Vijver & Leong, 2011), we assessed the cross-cultural applicability of a measure of independent happiness developed in the US (Subjective Happiness Scale; Lyubomirsky & Lepper, 1999) and a measure of interdependent happiness developed in Japan (Interdependent Happiness Scale; Hitokoto & Uchida, 2015), with data from 63 countries representing 7 sociocultural regions. Results indicate that the schema of independent happiness was more coherent in more WEIRD countries. In contrast, the coherence of interdependent happiness was unrelated to a country's "WEIRD-ness." Reliabilities of both happiness measures were lowest in African and Middle Eastern countries, suggesting these two conceptualizations of happiness may not be globally comprehensive. Overall, while the two measures had many similar correlates and properties, the self-focused concept of independent happiness is "WEIRD-er" than interdependent happiness, suggesting cross-cultural researchers should attend to both conceptualizations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gwendolyn Gardiner
- Department of Psychology, The University of California, Riverside, California, United States of America
| | - Daniel Lee
- Department of Psychology, The University of California, Riverside, California, United States of America
| | - Erica Baranski
- Department of Psychology, The University of Houston, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - David Funder
- Department of Psychology, The University of California, Riverside, California, United States of America
| | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
Pellerin N, Raufaste E. Psychological Resources Protect Well-Being During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Longitudinal Study During the French Lockdown. Front Psychol 2020; 11:590276. [PMID: 33424709 PMCID: PMC7793808 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.590276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
This longitudinal study investigated the capability of various positive psychological resources to directly or indirectly protect specific well-being outcomes and moderate the effects on well-being of health and economic threats in a lockdown situation during the 2020 health crisis in France. At the beginning of lockdown (wave 1), participants (N = 470) completed self-assessment questionnaires to document their initial level of well-being and state of nine different well-established psychological resources, measured as traits: optimism, hope, self-efficacy, gratitude toward the world, self-transcendence, wisdom, gratitude of being, peaceful disengagement, and acceptance. Three weeks later, a weekly follow-up was started to record changes in well-being and reported threats for a duration of 5 weeks (waves 2-6). Results show that psychological resources efficiently protected well-being in a variety of ways: they buffered the adverse effects of reported threats to health and wealth, increased the well-being averages, and reduced the decline in well-being over time. More specifically, emotional well-being was positively predicted by hope, gratitude of being, and, to a lesser level, by acceptance; psychological well-being by self-efficacy, personal wisdom, and gratitude of being; social well-being only by gratitude toward the world; and inner well-being by optimism, gratitude of being, and acceptance. The study emphasizes the importance of cultivating psychological resources in ordinary times to protect individuals' well-being when difficult and extraordinary circumstances occur. It also offers clues to the kind of resources one may want to develop.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Pellerin
- Laboratoire CLLE, CNRS, University of Toulouse, Université Toulouse Jean-Jaurès, Toulouse, France
| | - Eric Raufaste
- Laboratoire CLLE, CNRS, University of Toulouse, Université Toulouse Jean-Jaurès, Toulouse, France
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Singh K, Junnarkar M, Singh D, Suchday S, Mitra S, Dayal P. Associations Between Religious/Spiritual Practices and Well-Being in Indian Elderly Rural Women. J Relig Health 2020; 59:2753-2774. [PMID: 31278629 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-019-00877-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Religion and spirituality (R/S) are embedded in all aspects of life in India, a predominantly rural economy. The aim of this mixed methods study was to assess the associations between a culturally tailored intervention and preexisting religious/spiritual (R/S) practices with indicators of well-being and factors which contribute to happiness among elderly rural women from Haryana state, India. The study consisted of three groups: field experimental group (FEG; n = 24); practitioners of preexisting R/S practices for at least 6 weeks Satsang (SG, n = 54), Brahma Kumaris (BKG, n = 54), and Radha Soami (RSG, n = 30), and non-practitioners of R/S practices (n = 64). All groups completed self-report measures of overall happiness and life satisfaction, global health, quality of life, and health status and physical health. Results revealed that FEG participants improved significantly on physical health, body balancing, and self-care; no changes were observed on the other well-being measures following the intervention. Practitioners of preexisting R/S practices were found significantly different from the non-practitioners on some indicators of health, quality of life, and well-being. Qualitative measures pointed to the importance of R/S and family and interpersonal relationships among elderly rural women.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K Singh
- Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi, 100016, India.
| | - M Junnarkar
- Jindal Institute of Behavioural Sciences, O. P. Jindal Global University, Sonepat, Haryana, India
| | - D Singh
- Pt. N.R.S. Government College, Rohtak, Haryana, India
| | | | - S Mitra
- ISIC Institute of Rehabilitation Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | | |
Collapse
|
48
|
Abstract
Abstract
The United Nations’ World Happiness Report has ranked Finland as the happiest country for three consecutive years. In this research, we employed thematic analysis to analyze Instagram posts (N = 650) tagged with the hashtag “#happy” produced by Finnish-speaking users (#onnellinen in Finnish) during 2018, the first year that Finland gained the title of happiest country.
We found that the representations of happiness constructed on Instagram included seven shared and distinguishable themes: Social relationships, Physical appearance, Free Time, Nature, Success, Pets and Material Things. Drawing from the social representations theory approach, the results revealed a multi-layered structure of the representations of happiness organized around three dichotomies: social–individual, relaxing–pursuing and immaterial–material, which were anchored to ideas of “gratitude” (toward something or someone) and “pride” (toward the self). The dichotomy “self-oriented/other-oriented” was interpreted to constitute the themata (underlying structure) of the emerging social representation of happiness.
The paper contributes to the research of everyday knowledge by demonstrating how understandings related to happiness are shaped on Instagram, as well as by proposing a possible strategy for exploring the construction of everyday understandings of different societal issues employing new communication technology platforms containing both visual and textual elements.
Collapse
|
49
|
De Paola J, Wagner W, Pirttilä-Backman AM, Lehtonen J. Two Sides of the Same Coin or Two Different Currencies? Representations of Happiness and Unhappiness among Finnish Women. Integr Psychol Behav Sci 2021; 55:329-53. [PMID: 33063255 DOI: 10.1007/s12124-020-09579-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
This paper presents results from a study exploring representations of “happiness” and “unhappiness.” Word associations with these concepts were produced by 16–18 and 29–34-year-old women from Finland, the country that the United Nation’s World Happiness Report has ranked the “happiest” in the world. Correspondence Analysis (CA) and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis show that participants in both age groups share three clusters of words associated with “happiness”: Tangible happiness, Affective happiness and Serene happiness. We noted more differences in the associations with “unhappiness,” for which the two groups share only two clusters: Loss and Everyday problems. A distinct third cluster, Affective unhappiness, emerged for the younger women, whereas older women’s associations are further differentiated into a more complex structure, including two more clusters: Dejection and Apprehension. Additionally, CA shows that in both age groups, self-reported happiness levels do not discriminate which words are associated with happiness and unhappiness. Finally, qualitative content analysis of a questionnaire item investigating how to reach complete happiness suggested that there are three recurring answer types: happiness can be improved through external changes, internal changes, or not at all because complete/permanent happiness does not exist. The study provides a methodological design which, unlike most happiness studies, allows participants the freedom to bring up the meaning of happiness and unhappiness. Thus, the study constitutes a contribution to a more nuanced understanding of happiness.
Collapse
|
50
|
Abstract
Abstract. Using the experience sampling method (ESM), this study examines the relationship between experienced selflessness and experienced happiness. Based on the self-centered/selflessness happiness model (SSHM), we hypothesized that: (a) these two constructs would be positively related and (b) harmony feeling would mediate this relation. Using ESM, the participants ( N = 63) filled in a short survey, five times a day during 2 days (response rate = 79.2%; 482 observations). A linear mixed-model analysis showed that selflessness and harmony feelings were significant predictors of happiness. Finally, a mediation analysis indicated that harmony feeling emerged as a significant mediator of the relationship between selflessness and happiness at the experienced level. Overall, the study supports the idea that happiness does not depend solely on the satisfaction of one’s expectations but experiencing the self as an interdependent and relational entity also plays an important role. The implications of this study are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Pellerin
- Université Toulouse 2 Jean Jaurès (UT2J), CLLE Lab, CNRS UMR 5263, Toulouse, France
| | - Eric Raufaste
- Université Toulouse 2 Jean Jaurès (UT2J), CLLE Lab, CNRS UMR 5263, Toulouse, France
| | - Michael Dambrun
- Université Clermont Auvergne (UCA), LAPSCO, CNRS UMR 6024, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| |
Collapse
|