Relative Effects on Life Satisfaction Revisited

Social Comparison is Only Half the Story

Dados Bibliográficos

ID21704529
AutoresJohannes Hirata (0000-0002-1401-3748, Osnabrück University, autor correspondente), Patricia E Gross (0009-0004-6206-3282, Osnabrück University)
Ano2025
Volume26
Fascículo3
Data de publicação2025-03-01
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessSim
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoJournal of Happiness Studies (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 1389-4978 • E-ISSN: 1573-7780
EditoraSpringer Science and Business Media LLC (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1007/s10902-024-00848-2
OpenAlexW4407605540
IdiomaEN
Referências citadas74

Empirical happiness research clearly shows that life satisfaction depends, among other things, on relative effects. However, even where the data do not permit any inferences regarding the mechanisms that give rise to relative effects, studies often claim that relative effects are the result of comparisons that individuals make between their situation and that of others. We argue that this interpretation is not always justified because it disregards existing alternative interpretations with strong empirical support and a long tradition in the literature. To structure the interpretation of relative effects, we propose a model that distinguishes between the relative effects that influence aspirations and those that influence capabilities (i.e., the objective opportunities available to a person). We show where a number of relative effects fall into place in this model and we discuss the significance of our model for life satisfaction research

Life satisfaction · Positive psychology · Public health · Quality of Life Research · Social comparison theory · Optimism, Hope, and Well-being · Psychological and Temporal Perspectives Research · Psychological Well-being and Life Satisfaction · Psychology · Social Psychology