POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY

PRACTICAL SUBJECTIVE WELL-BEING

AIM: To compare and assess the subjective well-being of men and women (18-28 years) using

Ed Diener’s Subjective well- being scale.

BASIC CONCEPTS:

In positive psychology, well-being is defined as a state of optimal psychological functioning and

experience characterised by subjective feelings of happiness, life satisfaction, fulfillment, and

flourishing. It encompasses various dimensions of an individual's life, including emotional,

social, physical, and cognitive aspects. Well-being goes beyond the absence of negative

emotions or mental illness and emphasises the presence of positive qualities and experiences that

contribute to a meaningful and fulfilling life.

Key components of well-being in positive psychology include:

Positive emotions: Well-being involves experiencing positive emotions such as joy, gratitude,

contentment, and love. These emotions contribute to a sense of happiness and overall life

satisfaction.

Engagement: Also referred to as "flow," engagement involves being fully absorbed and

immersed in activities that challenge and stimulate us. When individuals are engaged in tasks

that align with their strengths and interests, they experience a sense of fulfillment and

satisfaction.
Relationships: Strong social connections and supportive relationships are essential for well-

being. Positive psychology emphasises the importance of nurturing relationships with family,

friends, and community members to foster a sense of belonging and connectedness.

Meaning and purpose: Having a sense of meaning and purpose in life contributes significantly to

well-being. This involves identifying personal values, goals, and aspirations and aligning one's

actions with these deeper principles.

Accomplishment and achievement: Setting and pursuing meaningful goals, whether they are

related to career, personal growth, or other areas of life, can enhance well-being. Achieving goals

and experiencing a sense of accomplishment boosts self-esteem and motivation.

Resilience: Well-being also involves the ability to cope with adversity and bounce back from

setbacks. Resilient individuals can maintain a positive outlook even in the face of challenges and

setbacks, which contributes to overall psychological well-being.

In summary, well-being in positive psychology encompasses various dimensions of life

satisfaction, positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning, accomplishment, and

resilience. It emphasizes the importance of fostering positive experiences and qualities to

enhance individuals' overall quality of life and psychological functioning.

MEASURES OF WELL-BEING

Positive psychology employs a range of measures to assess well-being across various

dimensions, reflecting its holistic approach to understanding human flourishing. One commonly

used set of measures is subjective well-being (SWB) scales, which gauge overall life satisfaction,

happiness, and emotional states such as positive affect. Psychological well-being (PWB) scales

delve deeper, evaluating aspects like autonomy, personal growth, and positive relations with
others, providing insights into individuals' fulfillment and sense of purpose. Resilience scales

assess individuals' capacity to cope with adversity and bounce back from challenges, reflecting

an essential aspect of psychological health. Character strengths inventories help individuals

identify and leverage their inherent strengths, fostering personal development and resilience.

Social well-being scales examine the quality of individuals' social connections and support

networks, recognizing the importance of relationships in well-being. Measures of meaning in life

assess individuals' sense of purpose and coherence, while engagement scales evaluate their

immersion in meaningful activities. Additionally, gratitude scales measure dispositional

tendencies toward gratitude, mindfulness scales assess present-focused awareness, and hedonic

and eudemonic well-being scales distinguish between pleasure-based and meaning-based well-

being. These measures collectively offer a comprehensive understanding of well-being,

facilitating research, interventions, and personal growth endeavours grounded in positive

psychology principles.

HAPPINESS AND WELL-BEING

In positive psychology, happiness and well-being are central concepts, reflecting the field's focus

on promoting individuals' flourishing and fulfilment in life. Happiness is typically viewed as a

subjective emotional experience characterized by positive affect, contentment, and life

satisfaction. However, positive psychology extends beyond mere happiness to encompass

broader dimensions of well-being, acknowledging that a fulfilling life involves more than just

feeling good. Well-being in positive psychology encompasses multiple facets, including

emotional, psychological, social, and existential dimensions. It encompasses not only the

experience of positive emotions but also the pursuit of meaningful goals, the cultivation of

supportive relationships, a sense of purpose and meaning in life, and resilience in the face of
adversity. Positive psychology emphasizes that happiness and well-being are not static states but

rather dynamic processes that can be cultivated and enhanced through intentional practices and

interventions. These may include gratitude exercises, mindfulness meditation, fostering strengths

and virtues, nurturing social connections, setting and pursuing meaningful goals, and developing

coping strategies to deal with life's challenges. Furthermore, positive psychology recognizes the

importance of individual differences in the pursuit of happiness and well-being. What brings

happiness and fulfilment to one person may differ from another, and positive psychology

encourages a personalized approach to enhancing well-being that takes into account individuals'

unique strengths, values, and circumstances. Overall, happiness and well-being in positive

psychology are seen as multifaceted constructs that encompass both feeling good and living a

meaningful and purposeful life. By understanding the factors that contribute to well-being and

implementing evidence-based interventions, positive psychology aims to promote greater

flourishing and fulfilment for individuals and communities alike.

TYPES OF WELL-BEING AND EMOTIONS

• Emotional Well-Being: Emotional well-being refers to individuals' subjective experience of

positive emotions, such as happiness, joy, gratitude, and contentment, as well as effective

regulation of negative emotions like sadness and anger. It emphasizes the importance of

experiencing positive affect and managing negative affect for overall psychological health.

• Psychological Well-Being: Psychological well-being encompasses individuals' overall sense of

psychological functioning and fulfillment. It includes dimensions such as autonomy,

environmental mastery, personal growth, positive relations with others, purpose in life, and self-

acceptance, as proposed by Carol Ryff's model of psychological well-being.

• Social Well-Being: Social well-being focuses on the quality of individuals' social relationships,

social support networks, and sense of belonging. It encompasses aspects such as the presence of

supportive relationships, social integration, and feelings of connection and belongingness within

one's community or social group.

• Physical Well-Being: Physical well-being refers to individuals' overall physical health and

vitality. It includes factors such as exercise, nutrition, sleep quality, and overall physical fitness.

Physical well-being is recognized as a fundamental component of overall well-being, as it can

significantly impact individuals' mood, energy levels, and ability to engage in daily activities.

MODELS OF WELL-BEING

Ryff Model of Psychological Well-Being

It is developed by psychologist Carol Ryff, proposes six dimensions or components that

contribute to individuals' overall psychological well-being. These dimensions represent different

aspects of positive functioning and reflect the diverse ways in which individuals can experience

fulfilment and flourishing in life. The six dimensions of the Ryff Model are as follows:

Autonomy: Autonomy refers to individuals' sense of self-determination, independence, and

ability to regulate their behaviour in accordance with their own values and interests. It involves

feeling in control of one's life and choices, rather than feeling pressured or constrained by

external influences.

Environmental Mastery: Environmental mastery involves individuals' sense of competence and

effectiveness in managing their environment and achieving their goals. It encompasses feelings

of control over one's surroundings, the ability to adapt to change, and the capacity to solve

problems and meet challenges effectively.

Personal Growth: Personal growth pertains to individuals' ongoing development, learning, and

realisation of their potential. It involves a commitment to self-improvement, the pursuit of new

experiences and challenges, and the ability to learn and grow from life's experiences.

Positive Relations with Others: Positive relations with others refer to individuals' ability to form

and maintain satisfying, supportive relationships with others. It involves experiencing empathy,

compassion, and intimacy in interpersonal interactions, as well as having a sense of

belongingness and connection within social networks.

Purpose in Life: Purpose in life entails having a sense of direction, meaning, and significance in

one's life. It involves identifying long-term goals and values that give life meaning and direction,

as well as feeling a sense of coherence and alignment with one's broader sense of purpose.

Self-Acceptance: Self-acceptance involves individuals' acceptance and appreciation of

themselves, including their strengths and weaknesses, limitations, and past experiences. It entails

having a realistic and positive self-concept, as well as a sense of self-worth and self respect,

regardless of external evaluations or judgments.

The Ryff Model of Psychological Well-Being provides a comprehensive framework for

understanding and assessing individuals' subjective experience of psychological well-being. It

emphasises the importance of multiple dimensions of well-being, beyond mere happiness or life

satisfaction, and highlights the diverse ways in which individuals can thrive and flourish in their

lives.

Martin Seligman Model of Well Being

Martin Seligman proposed a well-known model called the PERMA model, which outlines five

elements crucial for well-being. The PERMA model stands for:

Positive Emotions: This element involves experiencing positive emotions such as joy, gratitude,

and contentment. Cultivating positive emotions is essential for enhancing overall well-being.

Engagement (also known as Flow): Engagement refers to being fully absorbed and immersed in

activities that challenge and stimulate us. When individuals experience a state of flow, they are

fully engaged and focused on the present moment, which contributes to a sense of fulfilment and

satisfaction.

Relationships: Strong social connections and supportive relationships are crucial for well-being.

Building and maintaining positive relationships with family, friends, and community members

provide a sense of belonging and support.

Meaning: Having a sense of meaning and purpose in life is essential for well-being. This

involves identifying personal values, goals, and aspirations and aligning one's actions with these

deeper principles.

Accomplishment: Accomplishment refers to setting and pursuing meaningful goals and

achieving a sense of mastery and competence in various areas of life. Accomplishing goals and

experiencing a sense of achievement boosts self-esteem and motivation.

These five elements together form the PERMA model, which provides a framework for

understanding and enhancing individuals’ overall well-being. By focusing on these elements,

individuals can cultivate a more fulfilling and meaningful life. If you have any other specific

model in mind or if you need further clarification, please feel free to provide additional details.

REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Review of Literature :

Subjective well-being and life satisfaction among male and female adults, Salu.K , (2013) ,

Indian Journal of Positive Psychology , 4(4), 525-527

The aim of this is to find out the gender differences regarding the experiences of well being and

life satisfaction. Results of this study indicated that there is not any significant gender difference

for well-being as well as for life satisfaction.

Understanding subjective well-being : perspectives from psychology and public health ,

Das,V.K , Harrell,J.C , Fan,Y , Ramaswami,A , Orlove,B , Botchwey,N , (2020) , Journal of

Public Health Reviews .Individual subjective well-being (SWB) is essential for creating and

maintaining healthy, productive societies. The literature on SWB is vast and dispersed across

multiple disciplines. However, few reviews have summarized the theoretical and empirical tenets

of SWB literature across disciplinary boundaries. The results found that SWB theories can be

classified into four groups: fulfillment and engagement theories, personal orientation theories,

evaluative theories, and nemotional theories. A critical analysis of the conflicts and overlaps

between these theories reveals the lack of a coherent theoretical and methodological framework

that would make empirical research systematically comparable.

Cross-national and historical differences in subjective well-being , Jorm,F.A , Ryan,M.S ,

(2014) , International Journal of Epidemiology , 43: 330-340 .The research aims to find
solutions for some key issues : Can response to questions on well-being be meaningfully

compared across countries and periods? What social conditions are associated with greater well-

being both between countries and across periods? Are there lessons for how global well-being

might be improved? Subjective well-being involves multiple components, including cognitive

evaluation of satisfaction with life and emotional state, and these are separable from mental ill

health. Although there are difficulties in measuring subjective well-being in comparable ways

cross-culturally, there is sufficient evidence of validity to make comparisons meaningful.

Subjective Well-Being by Gender , Joshi,U , (2010) , Journal of Economics and Behavioral

Studies , Vol 1 , pp 20-26 . Subjective well-being is the scientific name for how people evaluate

their lives. People can evaluate their lives in terms of a global judgment (such as life satisfaction

or feelings of fulfillment), in terms of evaluating the domains of their lives (such as marriage or

work) or in terms of their ongoing emotional feelings about what is happening to them. However

gender is not a determinant of subjective well-being, and both males and females perceive

subjective well-being or evaluate their lives in a similar way.

Subjective well-being and academic achievement: A meta-analysis , Bucker,S , Nuraydin,S ,

Simonsmeier,A.B , Schneider,M , Luhmann,L , (2018) , Journal of Research in Personality ,

83-94 . The present study provides an overview of the current state of research on the relation

between Subjective Well-Being and academic achievement. The study also found a relatively

small to medium correlation between both constructs. However, this effect is nevertheless
relevant because the accumulating effects of academic success or failure combined with other

factors can have long-term effects on a person’s wellbeing and, in turn, on health and longevity.

Methodology

Rationale

The aim of the study is to asses and compare the subjective well-being of young women (in the

age bracket of 18 to 28 years) and older woman ( in the age bracket of 50 to 60 years). After

reviewing the various literature available on the topics , it was seen that extensive research has

been conducted comparing the subjective well-being of different genders and across various age

groups, but there is little or outdated research on the well-being of women belonging to different

age groups. The findings of these studies also brought to light a general trend of lower levels of

life satisfactions in girls and women as compared to boys and men. Therefore , the motive behind

conducting this study is to delve deeper and explore the well-being of females , and learn

whether it increase or decrease with age. This is especially our lives, forcing us to introspect and

reassess our priorities. More importantly, it has had a detrimental effect on the mental and

physical well-being of almost all individuals. Thus, the purpose of this study is to conduct

research regarding the well being of women.

Hypotheses

Ho: There is no significant difference between the subjective well-being of younger women and

older women.

Ha: There is a significant difference between the subjective well-being of younger women and

older women

Sample

The sample size was 20, comparing 10 women between ages of 18-28, and 50 women between

the age of 50-60. The sampling technique used was purposive sampling sampling. In which the

sample is drawn from that part of the populations that is easiest to contact or reach. Since there

was no predetermined inclusion criteria for this study, this method of sampling was chosen.

Following this, a Google form.

Materials Required

The materials required for this research study were Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS)

response sheet.
Research Design

The research design used in this study is a comparative research design using inferential

statistics. In a comparative research design two groups are compared in an attempt to draw a

conclusion about them. Inferential Statistics are used to draw a conclusion or inference about

conditions that exist in a population from the study of a sample that is representative of the

population. The statistical techniques used in the research study was the T-test. A statistical

analysis was conducted using the T-test for independent samples (also known as the 2 sample T-

test or student’s T-test) in order to determine whether there was statistical significance between

the two unrelated groups.

About the test

The toll used for this research study was the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) developed by

Ed Diener. The SWLS is a short 5-items instrument designed to measure global cognitive

judgement of satisfaction with one’s life. Participants indicate how much they agree or disagree

with each of the 5 items using 7- Point scale that ranges from 7-Strongly agree to 1-strongly

disagree. It assess satisfaction with the respondent’s life as a whole. The SWLS is shown to be a

valid and reliable measure of life satisfaction , viewed for one with a wide range of age groups
and applications, which makes possible the savings of interview time and resources compared to

many measure of life satisfaction. Normative data are presented for the scale, which shows good

convergent validity with other scales and with other types of assessments of subjective well-

being. Life satisfaction as assessed by the SWLS shows a degree of temporal stability. Further,

the scale shows discriminant validity from emotional well-being measure.

Procedure

Rapport formation

The participants were approached and were asked whether they wanted to part of a study that

will help them to understand themselves better.

Instructions

The participant were instructed to carefully read the consent from before filling up the

questionnaire. They were told that all the information they disclose will be kept confidential, and

only the two researchers involved in the study will know of their identity. After this they were

instructed that the form consent of five statements that they may agree or disagree with. They

could indicate their agreement with each item by selecting the level of agreement from the 7

point Liken scale. They were also instructed to be open and honest in their responding.

Sample(N=20) Total Mean Highest Lowest Mode Standard t-value p-value

Score
 Score Score Score Deviation

Group 223 22.3 34 13 26 5.86 -4.90

1( Male)

(n=10)

Group 250 25.0 35 16 28 5.62 -4.90

2(Female)

(n=10)

From the above table we observe that the total score for group 1 ( young male in the age bracket

18-28 years) is 223, while the total score for group 2 ( women in the age bracket 18-28) is 250.

The mean score was then calculated for each of the two groups, it was 22.3 and 25.0

respectively. The highest score was 34 and 35 in the group 1 and 2 respectively. The lowest

score was 13 and 16 in the group 1 and 2 respectively. The mode was found to be 26 in group

and 28 in group 2. The standard deviation is 5.86 and 5.62 respectively for the two groups. The

calculated t-value ( for df= 18) was found to be -4.90. While the p-value was found to be . The

level of significance chosen was = .

Discussion

The aim of the present study was to compare and assess he subjective well-being of the male and

female of the age bracket (18-28) using the Ed Diener’s Subjective well- being scale. In order to

do so, two sample groups were obtained through the purposive sampling technique. Group 1
(n=10) comprised male in age bracket 18-28 years , while group 2 comprised female in the age

bracket 18-28 years. The total scores , means scores , and standard deviation was first calculated

for each group. Subsequently, a statistical analysis was conducted using the t- test for

independent sample ( also known as the 2 sample t-test ) in order to determine whether there was

a statistical significance between the two unrelated groups. The t-value and p-value was

calculated for df=18.

The mean scores for group 1 and 2 was found to be 22.3 and 25.0 respectively. Both fall within

the average scores . The majority of individuals who obtain average scores are satisfied in

general (with most domain of their lives ), but have a few particular areas where they would like

to see large improvements. Thus , they usually attempt to make certain life changes which

enables them to experience higher levels of satisfaction. The standard deviation was calculated as

5.86 and 5.82 for group1 and 2 respectively. These values of standard deviation indicates a high

variability in the data and the presence of many extreme outlier scores, it means that the

participant scores are spread out over a large range of values. This can be observed by

identifying the highest and the lowest scores either group.

The highest score to be found was 34 in group 1 and 35 in group 2, and the lowest score was

found to be 13 in group 1 and 16 in group 2 . The mode was found to be 26 for group 1 and 28 for

group 2. Both these scores fall in the slightly below average category, which indicate that a large

percentage of the participants experience below average subjective well being- they face small but

significant problems in several areas of their lives, or have one specific sphere which represents a

major problem.

The t-value for the two independent samples was calculated as -4.90 and the p-value was calculated

as .It was observed that the p- value was lower than the Alpha value 0.05. Therefore, at chosen
level of significance, there was no significant difference found between the two sample groups.

Consequently, the null hypothesis(H= 0) is accepted and the alternative hypothesis is

(Ha =0) is rejected.

From the above results we can infer that there is no difference between the level of subjective well-

being experienced by male and female The findings suggest that in both groups, the participants

experience varying levels of well-being and life satisfaction. The wide range of scores could be

attributed to several internal and external factors(personality traits, differences in appraisal, major life

events, the presence or lack of social support and economic resources etc.)

Conclusion

The results of the present provide no conclusive evidence of a difference on comparing the two

sample groups. Thus, we can infer that male (18-28) years and female (18-28) years, experience

similar levels of subjective well-being and are more-or-less equally satisfied with their lives.