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A Multi-Study Examination of Well-Being Theory in College and Community Samples

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  • John Coffey
  • Laura Wray-Lake
  • Debra Mashek
  • Brittany Branand

Abstract

Well-being theory (WBT) proposes five indicators of well-being [i.e., positive emotion, engagement, relationships, meaning, achievement (PERMA)] that are, independently, empirically supported predictors of flourishing (i.e., an optimal level of well-being; Seligman in Flourish: a visionary new understanding of happiness and well-being. Free Press, NY, 2011 ). However, there is limited empirical support for the multidimensional model suggested by WBT. Two studies sought to test and validate the higher-order factor structure of the five components of PERMA and PERMA’s ability to predict concurrent and prospective flourishing outcomes (e.g., physical health, college success). In Study 1, a longitudinal examination of college students, participants completed measures of well-being (including four of the five PERMA indicators), physical health, and college success at the end of their sophomore, junior, and senior years. In Study 2, a larger, cross-sectional study was conducted online to further validate the PERMA model with a broader sample and all five PERMA indicators. Participants completed measures similar to those administered at Study 1 and other measures used to validate Study 1 measures. Results from Study 2 further validated the PERMA model by comparing Study 1 measures to established measures and by adding meaning to the model. Study 1 and Study 2 PERMA models predicted markers of well-being (e.g., vitality, life satisfaction) and flourishing (e.g., physical health). The two studies reported here provide cross-sectional and longitudinal support that WBT is useful for predicting flourishing. Copyright Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht 2016

Suggested Citation

  • John Coffey & Laura Wray-Lake & Debra Mashek & Brittany Branand, 2016. "A Multi-Study Examination of Well-Being Theory in College and Community Samples," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 17(1), pages 187-211, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jhappi:v:17:y:2016:i:1:p:187-211
    DOI: 10.1007/s10902-014-9590-8
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    2. Irfan Sabir & Shahbaz Hussain & Muhammad Bilal Majid & Asad-ur Rehman & Arslan Sarwar & Farooq Nawaz, 2020. "Impact of narcissistic personality disorder on cognitive organizational cynicism with mediating role of psychological capital in selected hospitals of Punjab Pakistan," Future Business Journal, Springer, vol. 6(1), pages 1-16, December.
    3. Meyer, Karin, 2022. "Chancen und Limitierungen des Positive Leadership-Ansatzes nach PERMA im Lehrkontext: Eine evidenzbasierte Analyse," IU Discussion Papers - Business & Management 3 (April 2022), IU International University of Applied Sciences.
    4. Teniell L. Trolian & Elizabeth A. Jach, 2022. "Applied Learning and Students’ Well-Being in Higher Education," Applied Research in Quality of Life, Springer;International Society for Quality-of-Life Studies, vol. 17(3), pages 1269-1286, June.
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    6. Kim, Jihye & Kim, Minseong, 2020. "Spectator e-sport and well-being through live streaming services," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 63(C).
    7. Jesus Alfonso D. Datu & Jana Patricia M. Valdez & Ronnel B. King, 2018. "Exploring the Association Between Peace of Mind and Academic Engagement: Cross-Sectional and Cross-Lagged Panel Studies in the Philippine Context," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 19(7), pages 1903-1916, October.

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