Final answer:
Well-being is influenced by factors such as socioeconomic status, quality of relationships, and psychosocial prosperity. Wealth affects life evaluations, while supportive social networks and personal competence are more closely linked with positive feelings. Stable and rewarding personal relationships are essential for adult well-being.
Step-by-step explanation:
Research on the factors that lead to well-being has indicated that various elements can significantly influence one's overall happiness and life satisfaction. According to a body of research, including the studies conducted by Diener and colleagues, subjective well-being is often linked with factors such as wealth, social relationships, and personal competence.
A significant predictor of well-being is socioeconomic status, where higher levels of wealth correlate with a more positive life evaluation, although this does not necessarily equate to heightened positive feelings. Psychosocial prosperity, which involves having supportive social networks, engaging in rewarding activities, and possessing a sense of competence, more reliably predicts the positive emotions associated with well-being.
Another critical factor is the quality of one's relationships. Positive interactions with family, friends, and significant others are crucial for adult well-being. Stable marriages and rewarding parental relationships, particularly when children reach adulthood, are found to enhance one's sense of life satisfaction and happiness.