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Minimal Social Interactions with Strangers Predict Greater Subjective Well-Being

Author

Listed:
  • Gul Gunaydin

    (Sabanci University)

  • Hazal Oztekin

    (Bilkent University)

  • Deniz Hazal Karabulut

    (Bilkent University)

  • Selin Salman-Engin

    (Bilkent University)

Abstract

Past empirical work has repeatedly revealed that positive social interactions including expressing gratitude and socializing are associated with greater happiness. However, this work predominantly focused on prolonged interactions with close relationship partners. Only a few studies demonstrated hedonic benefits of forming social connections with strangers. The present research investigated whether minimal social interactions with strangers—just taking a moment to greet, thank, and express good wishes to strangers—contribute to happiness of individuals who initiate these interactions. Study 1 (N = 856) provided correlational evidence that commuters who reported engaging in minimal positive social interactions with shuttle drivers experienced greater subjective well-being (life satisfaction and positive affect). Moreover, hedonic benefits of positive social interactions went beyond relatively more neutral social interactions, Big-Five personality factors, and age, speaking to the robustness of the effect. Study 2 (N = 265) provided experimental evidence that commuters who greeted, thanked, or expressed good wishes to shuttle drivers experienced greater momentary positive affect than those who did not speak with drivers. These findings add to the burgeoning literature on hedonic benefits of interacting with strangers by showing that even very minimal social interactions with strangers contribute to subjective well-being in everyday life.

Suggested Citation

  • Gul Gunaydin & Hazal Oztekin & Deniz Hazal Karabulut & Selin Salman-Engin, 2021. "Minimal Social Interactions with Strangers Predict Greater Subjective Well-Being," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 22(4), pages 1839-1853, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jhappi:v:22:y:2021:i:4:d:10.1007_s10902-020-00298-6
    DOI: 10.1007/s10902-020-00298-6
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Deniz Bayraktaroglu & Gul Gunaydin & Emre Selcuk & Anthony D. Ong, 2019. "A Daily Diary Investigation of the Link Between Television Watching and Positive Affect," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 20(4), pages 1089-1101, April.
    2. Keiko Otake & Satoshi Shimai & Junko Tanaka-Matsumi & Kanako Otsui & Barbara Fredrickson, 2006. "Happy People Become Happier through Kindness: A Counting Kindnesses Intervention," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 7(3), pages 361-375, September.
    3. Mithat Durak & Emre Senol-Durak & Tulin Gencoz, 2010. "Psychometric Properties of the Satisfaction with Life Scale among Turkish University Students, Correctional Officers, and Elderly Adults," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 99(3), pages 413-429, December.
    4. Fang Chen & Yiming Jing & Adele Hayes & Jeong Lee, 2013. "Two Concepts or Two Approaches? A Bifactor Analysis of Psychological and Subjective Well-Being," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 14(3), pages 1033-1068, June.
    5. Myriam Mongrain & Jacqueline Chin & Leah Shapira, 2011. "Practicing Compassion Increases Happiness and Self-Esteem," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 12(6), pages 963-981, December.
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    1. Peng, Jiamin & Yang, Xiaoyun & Poon, Patrick & Xie, Lishan, 2022. "Enhancing users' well-being in virtual medical tourism communities: A configurational analysis of users’ interaction characteristics and social support," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 71(C).

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