Exploring Diener's Multidimensional Conceptualization of Well-Being Through Network Psychometrics

Psychol Rep. 2021 Apr;124(2):896-919. doi: 10.1177/0033294120916864. Epub 2020 Apr 10.

Abstract

Previous research has addressed the study of the well-being structure focusing on the separability among hedonic and eudaimonic dimensions by means of latent variable approaches. Diener's tripartite model of Subjective Well-Being has often been identified with hedonic well-being, while flourishing (i.e., positive functioning) has been classified as a proxy for eudaimonic well-being. Instead of pursuing a theory-driven approach, the structure of well-being dimensions can be retrieved by means of network psychometrics that is a highly informative, data-driven approach that allows the model structure to spontaneously emerge from the relationships among indicators. Furthermore, we propose a strength centrality decomposition that is able to summarize the influence of a specific indicator within its dimension and between the other dimensions. Contrary to the theoretical conjecture that the separability among well-being dimensions can be grounded on a hedonic and eudaimonic distinction, our results point to a categorization of the Diener's well-being indicators based on the type of information they convey, that is global evaluation of life satisfaction, positive and negative affective experiences, and perceived positive functioning in life.

Keywords: Diener’s model; between and within expected influence; expected influence; flourishing; hedonic and eudaimonic well-being; network analysis; subjective well-being.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Concept Formation*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mental Health*
  • Psychometrics*
  • Quality of Life