Powiązania preferencji wartości z dobrostanem psychicznym w ujęciu hedonistycznym i eudajmonistycznym

Abstract

The main aim of this article is to investigate the relations between preferences of value system and subjective well-being studied in the framework of hedonistic and eudaimonistic traditions. Theories and research concerning value system and subjective well-being were thoroughly presented in order to gain a deep insight into the structures and functions of both concepts. Values are desirable goals, varying in importance, that serve as guiding principles in people’s lives. They represent basic motivations and show robust links to goals. Therefore, they play an important role in forming hedonistic and eudaimonistic well-being. Subjective well-being in the hedonistic perspective reflects a general evaluation of a person’s life in the categories of happiness, while well-being in the eudaimonistic perspective represents optimal human functioning and internal integration. In order to verify the formulated hypotheses 189 people were subjected to four questionnaires: Scheier’s Value Scale, Satisfaction with Life Scale, Positive and Negative Affect Scale, and Psychological Well-Being Scale. The results revealed a number of interesting findings. Values show positive connections with the cognitive dimension of subjective well-being and positive affect, but not with the negative one. Vital, esthetic and sacred values have positive links with an overall satisfaction with life. The more individuals prefer sacred and moral values the higher is the level of eudaimonistic well-being. Actions taken in pursuit of each type of values have psychological consequences that can increase subjective well-being.