Age and Subjective Well-Being Revisited: A Discrepancy Perspective.
- 1 January 2004
- journal article
- research article
- Published by American Psychological Association (APA) in Psychology and Aging
- Vol. 19 (3), 409-415
- https://doi.org/10.1037/0882-7974.19.3.409
Abstract
The hypothesis that the age effect on subjective well-being was entirely mediated by goal discrepancies (GDs) was tested with structural equation modeling. Six GDs grouped into 3 broad categories (relationships, health, and others) were differentially related to age. Whereas GD relationships and GD others (e.g., materials) decreased with age, GD health increased with age. GD health had smaller effects on subjective well-being than GDs in relationships and other life domains. Hence, the net effect of all the GDs on well-being was positive. GD variations because of age could completely explain the age trends in life satisfaction and positive affect, and partially the age trend in negative affect.Keywords
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