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The Mediating Role of Affects between Mind-Wandering and Happiness

Author

Listed:
  • Carlos Salavera

    (Departament of Psychology and Sociology, Faculty of Education, Universidad de Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
    Research Group OPIICS, University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain)

  • Pablo Usán

    (Departament of Psychology and Sociology, Faculty of Education, Universidad de Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
    Research Group OPIICS, University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain)

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the mediating role of affects between mind-wandering and happiness. The study was conducted with a sample comprising 270 university students—133 men (49.26%) and 137 women (50.74%)—who filled out the Mind-Wandering Questionnaire (MWQ), the Positive and Negative Affect Questionnaire (PANAS), and the SHS subjective happiness scale. Mind-wandering was found to be negatively correlated with happiness and positive effects. Higher mind-wandering-related scores went hand in hand with scores related to both lower happiness and positive affects. Approximately half the participants yielded low mind-wandering and negative affect scores and above-average happiness and positive affects scores. In addition, one in four scored above average in terms of mind-wandering and low in terms of happiness and positive effects. Finally, the mediating role played by affects was examined. It can be concluded that although in principle mind-wandering has no direct effect on happiness, some influence can be attested when affects, both positive and negative, are taken into consideration.

Suggested Citation

  • Carlos Salavera & Pablo Usán, 2020. "The Mediating Role of Affects between Mind-Wandering and Happiness," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(12), pages 1-9, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:12:p:5139-:d:375596
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Ylenio Longo, 2015. "The Simple Structure of Positive Affect," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 124(1), pages 183-198, October.
    2. Sonja Lyubomirsky & Heidi Lepper, 1999. "A Measure of Subjective Happiness: Preliminary Reliability and Construct Validation," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 46(2), pages 137-155, February.
    3. Carlos Salavera & Pablo Usán & Pilar Teruel & José L. Antoñanzas, 2020. "Eudaimonic Well-Being in Adolescents: The Role of Trait Emotional Intelligence and Personality," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(7), pages 1-11, March.
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