The Science behind the successful achievement of Aspirational Outcomes.

An investigation into the relationship between well-being and personality to generate life satisfaction.

Abstract

This quantitative study sets out to investigate how newly identified dimensions in both positive psychological well-being and personality might relate to an overall sense of life satisfaction. A group of participants, predominantly from the Open University, UK, completed a survey consisting of a battery of standardised self-report measures. The survey encompassed measurements of current life satisfaction, each of the specific selected personality traits of openness and conscientiousness, and specific selected dimensions of wellbeing of having purpose in life, the opportunity to achieve personal growth and forging positive relations. The results of multiple regression analysis showed that the overall model proved that variability in scores on the selected and measured dimensions of wellbeing combined with scores on the selected and measured dimensions of Big Five Inventory, were a strong predictor in the scores of levels of life satisfaction (n=126). The conclusion is that interventions to improve the score in the selected, newly identified, measured dimensions of well-being in combination with possessing certain personality traits, will inherently contribute to an improvement in scores for life satisfaction.

​Results of this study confirmed that a combination of an individual’s personality, specifically the trait of conscientiousness, and their assessment of current levels of psychological well-being, specifically personal relations with others, contribute to an overall sense of satisfaction with life. Results further indicate a common facet of directedness as an essential element of life satisfaction.

The theories of life satisfaction, personality and well-being are clearly intertwined but distinctly separate dimensions that in some way come together in forming the individual’s perception of living a good life. Emphasising that by nurturing positive relations with others and developing an increased sense of conscientiousness it is possible that individuals can improve their overall sense of life satisfaction.