Ever wondered how we really measure happiness? Subjective well-being, or SWB, is all about how we personally feel about and evaluate our lives—basically, it’s our self-reported happiness and mental health check-in. SWB isn’t just for psychologists to understand how content we are; it’s also a handy tool for shaping public health, economic strategies, and social policies. By tapping into how we genuinely feel about our lives, policymakers can get a pulse on societal health and tweak policies to boost overall well-being. So, in a way, our happiness can actually steer the direction of the world around us!
History of Subjective Well-Being
Back in 1984, psychologist Ed Diener shook things up with a fresh take on happiness. He introduced a model of subjective well-being that’s all about how we see our own happiness from three different angles. Yep, you heard that right—three distinct but interconnected parts that make up our overall sense of well-being.
- Frequent positive affect: This involves experiencing positive emotions and moods on a frequent basis.
- Infrequent negative affect: This involves not experiencing negative feelings or moods often.
- Cognitive evaluations: This aspect of the model relates to how people think about their lives and overall life satisfaction.
Signs of Subjective Well-Being
- Being accepting of other people
- Being socially engaged
- Belongingness and being accepted by others
- Community support and resources2
- Experiencing a sense of meaning and purpose
- Feeling independent
- Feeling like your life is close to what you think of as the ideal life
- Feeling as if the conditions of your life are excellent
- Feeling satisfied with your life
- Feeling that you have gotten the things that you want in life
- Having more positive emotions than negative ones
- Having opportunities to engage in spiritual practices
- Mastering areas that are important to you
- Physical wellness such as feeling like you are getting enough sleep, exercise, and nutritious food
- Self-acceptance
“If you had the opportunity to live your life over again, would you change anything? According to Diener, people who have a high level of subjective well-being would say that they would change almost nothing.” Verywell Mind
So, when you think about your own happiness, remember it’s more than just one thing—it’s a blend of how you feel day-to-day, how satisfied you are with your life as a whole, and how you see yourself thriving. By understanding these three aspects, you can get a clearer picture of your well-being and maybe even find new ways to boost it. After all, happiness is a mix, and getting the recipe just right is key to living your best life.
