Subjective well-being and adaptation to life events: a meta-analysis

J Pers Soc Psychol. 2012 Mar;102(3):592-615. doi: 10.1037/a0025948. Epub 2011 Nov 7.

Abstract

Previous research has shown that major life events can have short- and long-term effects on subjective well-being (SWB). The present meta-analysis examines (a) whether life events have different effects on affective and cognitive well-being and (b) how the rate of adaptation varies across different life events. Longitudinal data from 188 publications (313 samples, N = 65,911) were integrated to describe the reaction and adaptation to 4 family events (marriage, divorce, bereavement, childbirth) and 4 work events (unemployment, reemployment, retirement, relocation/migration). The findings show that life events have very different effects on affective and cognitive well-being and that for most events the effects of life events on cognitive well-being are stronger and more consistent across samples. Different life events differ in their effects on SWB, but these effects are not a function of the alleged desirability of events. The results are discussed with respect to their theoretical implications, and recommendations for future studies on adaptation are given.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological*
  • Adult
  • Bereavement
  • Divorce / psychology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Life Change Events*
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Marriage / psychology
  • Middle Aged
  • Parturition / psychology
  • Personal Satisfaction
  • Retirement / psychology
  • Unemployment / psychology