Background

Emotions are dynamic– rarely experienced at consistent rates over time, and these fluctuations in emotion impact well-being. While research on well-being has demonstrated many positive psychosocial outcomes associated with high mean-levels of happiness (MLH), it is unknown whether low variability combined with high happiness, what we call, stable happiness (SH), has other important correlates beyond MLH.

Aims

We assess the incremental validity of SH in predicting positive outcomes beyond MLH within a data-derived sample of the happiest people. We examine the demographic, personality, and psychosocial differences between people with high, stable happiness and people with high, normally-variable happiness.

Method

We surveyed adults (N=552) to assess MLH and SH alongside additional psychological and demographic variables. We invited individuals scoring in the top ~25% of the MLH measure to participate in semi-structured qualitative interviews exploring personal histories and emotional experiences. We then separated individuals using population size cut-offs on mean value and variability to form the SH (N=48) and normally happy groups (N=105). Both groups then completed interviews and EMAs examining daily fluctuations in mood, behaviors, and social interactions. We also reanalyzed multiple EMA datasets regarding SH to complement and corroborate our data. 

Results

Our survey responses, qualitative interviews, and EMA study preliminary results replicated previous research findings: when controlling for MLH and demographic variables, SH predicts greater overall well-being; higher income; more flow experiences; more meaning in life; less emotionality overall; better romantic partnerships; and better health. Our reanalysis of other datasets corroborates better relationships, emotion regulation, and better school performance. We also discuss the results from our interviews in light of these quantitative results. 

Conclusion

SH correlates with positive outcomes in ways that MLH cannot fully explain, prompting future investigations of how SH is achieved and maintained over time.