Self-Affirmation Theory and the Science of Well-Being

Andrew J. Howell ()
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Andrew J. Howell: MacEwan University

Journal of Happiness Studies, 2017, vol. 18, issue 1, No 14, 293-311

Abstract: 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.

Keywords: Self-affirmation; Resilience; Well-being; Positive psychology (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2017
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DOI: 10.1007/s10902-016-9713-5

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