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Self-Affirmation Theory and the Science of Well-Being

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  • Andrew J. Howell

    (MacEwan University)

Abstract

Social psychological self-affirmation research shows that value affirmations often boost adaptive functioning. Yet, such effects are under-recognized within the fields of well-being studies and positive psychology. This paper reviews self-affirmation theory and the principles by which self-affirmation is understood to facilitate resilient responses to self-threats. Next, it reviews research on the impact of self-affirmation on well-being, including feeling good and functioning well. The positive-activity model is employed to conceptualize self-affirmation as a well-being intervention and to underscore potential mediators and moderators of the relationship between self-affirmation and well-being. Future lines of investigation are outlined, including the role of self-affirmation within existing well-being interventions, the use of self-affirmation to enhance other well-being interventions, and the measurement of individual differences in trait self-affirmation in the prediction of well-being.

Suggested Citation

  • Andrew J. Howell, 2017. "Self-Affirmation Theory and the Science of Well-Being," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 18(1), pages 293-311, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jhappi:v:18:y:2017:i:1:d:10.1007_s10902-016-9713-5
    DOI: 10.1007/s10902-016-9713-5
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Richard M. Ryan & Veronika Huta & Edward Deci, 2008. "Living well: a self-determination theory perspective on eudaimonia," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 9(1), pages 139-170, January.
    2. Ed Diener & Derrick Wirtz & William Tov & Chu Kim-Prieto & Dong-won Choi & Shigehiro Oishi & Robert Biswas-Diener, 2010. "New Well-being Measures: Short Scales to Assess Flourishing and Positive and Negative Feelings," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 97(2), pages 143-156, June.
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    Cited by:

    1. Maria Tresita Paul V. & N. Uma Devi, 2021. "Managing mental & psychological wellbeing amidst COVID-19 pandemic: Positive psychology interventions," Papers 2104.11726, arXiv.org, revised May 2021.

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