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Mental Balance in 116 Nations: Where It Is Experienced and Valued

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  • Mohsen Joshanloo

    (Department of Psychology, Keimyung University, 1095 Dalgubeol Boulevard, Dalseo-gu, Daegu 42601, Korea)

Abstract

Mental balance, defined as a sense of tranquility resulting from inner peace and harmonious interactions with the external environment, is an important but largely overlooked aspect of well-being. Using data from the Gallup World Poll (N = 121,207), this study developed a global index of mental balance and a measure of preference for mental balance (as opposed to excitement) across 116 countries. The study examined the global and regional distribution of these two variables and their intercorrelations with a variety of social, economic, cultural, and well-being variables. The results showed that, whereas national wealth and sociopolitical context were the strongest predictors of experiencing mental balance, these variables were not associated with preference for mental balance.

Suggested Citation

  • Mohsen Joshanloo, 2022. "Mental Balance in 116 Nations: Where It Is Experienced and Valued," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(19), pages 1-10, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:19:p:12457-:d:929840
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Mogilner, Cassie & Kamvar, Sepandar D. & Aaker, Jennifer, 2010. "The Shifting Meaning of Happiness," Research Papers 2070, Stanford University, Graduate School of Business.
    2. Mohsen Joshanloo, 2014. "Eastern Conceptualizations of Happiness: Fundamental Differences with Western Views," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 15(2), pages 475-493, April.
    3. O. Kjell & D. Daukantaitė & K. Hefferon & S. Sikström, 2016. "The Harmony in Life Scale Complements the Satisfaction with Life Scale: Expanding the Conceptualization of the Cognitive Component of Subjective Well-Being," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 126(2), pages 893-919, March.
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