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Positive Psychology and Subjective Well-Being Homeostasis: A Critical Examination of Congruence

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A Positive Psychology Perspective on Quality of Life

Part of the book series: Social Indicators Research Series ((SINS,volume 51))

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.

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  1. School of Psychology, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Hwy, Melbourne, VIC, 3125, Australia

    Robert A. Cummins

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  1. School of Psychology, Aristotle Univ. of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, 541 24, Greece

    Anastasia Efklides

  2. , School of Psychology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki,, 541 24, Greece

    Despina Moraitou

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Cummins, R.A. (2012). Positive Psychology and Subjective Well-Being Homeostasis: A Critical Examination of Congruence. In: Efklides, A., Moraitou, D. (eds) A Positive Psychology Perspective on Quality of Life. Social Indicators Research Series, vol 51. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-4963-4_5

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