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A Positive Psychology Perspective on Quality of LifePositive Psychology and Subjective Well-Being Homeostasis: A Critical Examination of Congruence

A Positive Psychology Perspective on Quality of Life: Positive Psychology and Subjective... [The new field of positive psychology has introduced fresh air into the discipline. Instead of focussing on pathology, attention may now be directed to the benefits of enhancing subjective well-being (SWB) for individual and societal functioning. However, as with all new fields of endeavour, the promise of new technology is easy to overstate, so checks and balances are required to arrive at a realistic view of what can and what cannot be achieved. One alternative view, which set limits to the malleability of SWB, is provided by the theory of Subjective Well-being Homeostasis. This proposes that levels of SWB are actively managed to remain within a set-point range for each individual and that efforts to shift SWB either above or below this range will be resisted. This chapter will examine the theoretical basis for both views and evaluate the empirical support for each position. The outcome will be discussed in the context of realistic therapeutic goals.] http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png

A Positive Psychology Perspective on Quality of LifePositive Psychology and Subjective Well-Being Homeostasis: A Critical Examination of Congruence

Part of the Social Indicators Research Series Book Series (volume 51)
Editors: Efklides, Anastasia; Moraitou, Despina
Cummins, Robert A.
Springer Journals — Oct 9, 2012
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20 pages

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Publisher
Springer Netherlands
Copyright
© Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht 2013
ISBN
978-94-007-4962-7
Pages
67 –86
DOI
10.1007/978-94-007-4963-4_5
Publisher site
See Chapter on Publisher Site

Abstract

[The new field of positive psychology has introduced fresh air into the discipline. Instead of focussing on pathology, attention may now be directed to the benefits of enhancing subjective well-being (SWB) for individual and societal functioning. However, as with all new fields of endeavour, the promise of new technology is easy to overstate, so checks and balances are required to arrive at a realistic view of what can and what cannot be achieved. One alternative view, which set limits to the malleability of SWB, is provided by the theory of Subjective Well-being Homeostasis. This proposes that levels of SWB are actively managed to remain within a set-point range for each individual and that efforts to shift SWB either above or below this range will be resisted. This chapter will examine the theoretical basis for both views and evaluate the empirical support for each position. The outcome will be discussed in the context of realistic therapeutic goals.]

Published: Oct 9, 2012

Keywords: Life Satisfaction; Positive Affect; Positive Psychology; Positive Mood; Personal Wellbeing Index

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