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Personality predictors of happiness
1Faculdade de Psicologia e de Ciências da Educacão, Universidade do Porto, rua do Campo Alegre, 1055, P-4150 Porto, Portugal. fneto@psi.up.pt
Psychological Reports
|August 18, 2001
Summary
This study found that higher satisfaction with life, self-esteem, and sociability correlate with greater happiness. Conversely, higher embarrassability, loneliness, shyness, and social anxiety are linked to lower happiness levels.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Social Psychology
Background:
- Understanding the psychological correlates of happiness is crucial for mental well-being.
- Previous research suggests personality traits influence subjective happiness levels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the relationship between personality traits and happiness using the Oxford Happiness Inventory.
- To validate the Portuguese version of the happiness inventory.
Main Methods:
- 171 subjects completed the Oxford Happiness Inventory and various personality measures.
- Correlational analyses were performed to assess relationships between happiness and personality variables.
Main Results:
- Positive correlations were found between happiness and satisfaction with life, self-esteem, and sociability.
- Negative correlations were observed between happiness and embarrassability, loneliness, shyness, and social anxiety.
- Satisfaction with life, shyness, loneliness, and sociability predicted 58% of the variance in happiness scores.
Conclusions:
- The findings support existing research on happiness and personality.
- The Portuguese version of the Oxford Happiness Inventory is validated by these results.
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