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Successfully Striving for Happiness: Socially Engaged Pursuits Predict Increases in Life Satisfaction

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  • Rohrer, Julia M.
  • Richter, David
  • Brümmer, Martin
  • Wagner, Gert G.
  • Schmukle, Stefan C.

Abstract

Happiness is considered a highly desirable attribute, but whether or not individuals can actively steer their lives toward greater well-being is an open empirical question. In this study, respondents from a representative German sample reported, in text format, ideas for how they could improve their life satisfaction. We investigated which of these ideas predicted changes in life satisfaction 1 year later. Active pursuits per se—as opposed to statements about external circumstances or fortune—were not associated with changes in life satisfaction (n = 1,178). However, in line with our preregistered hypothesis, among individuals who described active pursuits (n = 582), those who described social ideas (e.g., spending more time with friends and family) ended up being more satisfied, and this effect was partly mediated by increased socializing. Our results demonstrate that not all pursuits of happiness are equally successful and corroborate the great importance of social relationships for human well-being.

Suggested Citation

  • Rohrer, Julia M. & Richter, David & Brümmer, Martin & Wagner, Gert G. & Schmukle, Stefan C., 2018. "Successfully Striving for Happiness: Socially Engaged Pursuits Predict Increases in Life Satisfaction," EconStor Open Access Articles and Book Chapters, ZBW - Leibniz Information Centre for Economics, vol. 29(8), pages 1291-1298.
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:espost:222529
    DOI: 10.1177/0956797618761660
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Richard Lucas & M. Brent Donnellan, 2012. "Estimating the Reliability of Single-Item Life Satisfaction Measures: Results from Four National Panel Studies," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 105(3), pages 323-331, February.
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    Cited by:

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    2. Temizkan, Ege & Köse, Barkın & Şahin, Sedef, 2023. "Social determinants of life satisfaction in emerging adults," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 151(C).
    3. Koch, Michael & Park, Sarah & Zahra, Shaker A., 2021. "Career patterns in self-employment and career success," Journal of Business Venturing, Elsevier, vol. 36(1).
    4. Young Yim Doh & Ji-Bum Chung, 2020. "What Types of Happiness Do Korean Adults Pursue?—Comparison of Seven Happiness Types," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(5), pages 1-17, February.
    5. Chen-Wei Yu & Yen-Ping Chang & Cheng-Hsien Li & Hsiang-Yi Wu, 2023. "From Emotion Beliefs to Regulatory Behavior: Gratitude Journaling Initiation and Outcomes," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 24(1), pages 57-78, January.
    6. Ren, Qianping & Wang, Liyan & Ye, Maoliang, 2025. "Long-term impacts of early adversity on subjective well-being: Evidence from the Chinese great famine," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 230(C).
    7. Derrick Wirtz & Amanda Tucker & Chloe Briggs & Alexander M. Schoemann, 2021. "How and Why Social Media Affect Subjective Well-Being: Multi-Site Use and Social Comparison as Predictors of Change Across Time," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 22(4), pages 1673-1691, April.
    8. Ren, Qianping & Wang, Liyan & Ye, Maoliang, 2025. "Long-term impacts of early adversity on subjective well-being: Evidence from the Chinese great famine," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 230(C).
    9. Bruce Headey & Gert G. Wagner, 2019. "One Size Does Not Fit All: Alternative Values-Based ‘Recipes’ for Life Satisfaction," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 145(2), pages 581-613, September.

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