The subjective evaluation of well-being in adulthood: Findings and implications

In recent years, a wealth of data focused on the perceived quality of life in adulthood has been produced. Strengthened by improved measures and methodologies, the findings from these research efforts have in some cases challenged, and in other cases confirmed, earlier conclusions regarding the experience of Subjective Well-Being (SWB) across the adult lifespan. Within this article, evidence indicating the importance of demographic, personality, and cultural variables to the experience of SWB is reviewed, with a particular emphasis on the experience of well-being across the adult lifespan. High SWB is related to a number of important life outcomes, such as higher levels of relationship and marital satisfaction, success and satisfaction in work settings, improved ability to cope with stress, and better health outcomes. Evidence from a number of studies indicates that average levels of life satisfaction are relatively similar for groups representing early, middle, and late adulthood, whereas the affective components of SWB show some variability. These findings and their potential implications for interventions, policies, and future research are discussed. © 2004.