Predictors of subjective well-being: An empirical study

This study aims to explore the relationship between subjective well-being and different aspects of personality, such as personality traits, behavioural inhibition and activation systems, and approach and avoidance temperaments. For this purpose, a sample of 107 University students completed the Satisfaction with Life Scale, The Questionnaire for Eudaimonic Wellbeing, the Emotional Stability and Extraversion scales of the Big Five Questionnaire, the BIS/BAS scales and a pilot Italian version of the Approach-Avoidance Temperament Questionnaire. Hierarchical regression analyses have been performed to verify the effects of various personality aspects on subjective wellbeing. Results show an important role of approach temperament on both satisfaction with life and global eudaimonic wellbeing. In relation to the specific components of eudaimonic wellbeing, a differential role of personality factors appeared, with a negative effect of the fun seeking dimension of BAS on sense of purpose and a positive effect of extraversion on effortful engagement.