Personal value correlates of wellbeing and perceived stress in Indian college students: The role of cultural differences in wellbeing outcomes

Pages:255-262
V. Veera Balaji Kumar and S. Subramanian (Department of Psychology, Bharathiar University)

The present paper analyses the impact of value priorities of individuals on their subjective wellbeing [SWB], psychological wellbeing [PWB] and perceived stress. The study was conducted over a sample of 100 students (85 male and 85 female) drawn from an arts college. It was found out that there is a significant negative correlation between self enhancement value domain and almost all dimensions of PWB [personal growth (r = – 0.276), positive relations (r = – 0.295), purpose in life ( r = – 0.231)] and total PWB ( r = -0.283). Significant negative correlations were found between security value and negative affect (r= -0.116); global wellbeing and age (r = -0.273). Significant positive correlations were found between Life satisfaction {cognitive wellbeing} and Income (r= + 0.144). On the other hand, significant positive correlations were found between self-transcendence values and psychological well being domains viz. personal growth (r = +0.182), positive relations (r = +0.261) and purpose in life (r = +0.207). Weak but positive correlation (r= +0.065) was obtained between self-enhancement value dimension and subjective wellbeing, which imply that individuals who espouse self-enhancement values power and achievement – enjoy higher SWB or hedonic wellbeing. Surprisingly significant negative correlation (r = -0.193) was found between achievement value a self-enhancement value – and perceived stress. Results indicate that self-enhancement values like power; security and hedonism while providing subjective (or hedonic) wellbeing may cause deficient psychological wellbeing (eudaimonic wellbeing). Whereas espousing self-transcendence values like universalism provides greater eudaimonic wellbeing and resilience against stress.