Mixed methods study on the interpersonal and intrapersonal predictors of subjective well-being among middle-aged Chinese religious women

• Main Author: Wu, Sujing
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 2009
• Subjects: Women—Religious life > China; Well-being; Counseling Psychology; Religion
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etd_doctoral/280
• Institution: De La Salle University

This study investigates the predictors, perception and sources of Subjective Well Being (SWB) among middle-aged Chinese women religious, using a concurrent triangulation mixed method research design. Study I, a survey of 244 middle-aged Chinese religious women from different congregations in China examined the level of SWB in its three dimensions: life satisfaction, positive and negative affect. The participants expressed high level of life satisfaction and positive affect, but moderate level of negative affect. Interpersonal variables of congregational support, positive relationship, and intrapersonal variables of extroversion, neuroticism and self-esteem are identified as significant predictors for SWB. Twelve religious women participated in the in-depth interview during study II of the study. A qualitative thematic analysis of open-ended questions revealed that the perceptions of SWB are the sense of life satisfaction, positive relationship with God and people, the feeling of joy, peace, anger, frustration and helpless. The observed characteristics of SWB are demonstrating emotional stability, broader mindedness in vision and mission, experiencing intimate relatedness with God and harmonious relationship with people. The sources of SWB are spiritual relatedness with God, positive relationship with people, communication skill, positive outlook of life, ability of emotional adjustment, congregational support, especially encouragements from superior and peaceful community atmosphere, social support and acceptance and proper living environment. The implications of these findings are discussed in terms of counseling practice and research.