The structural relationship between attitude, locus of control, life satisfaction and subjective well-being

Abstract

This research endeavoured to conceptualise a psychological model to establish the relationship and predictive correlation between attitude, locus of control, and satisfaction with life on subjective well-being, being a latent construct and dependent variable in this study. The model was moderated by sociodemographic variables, specifically gender, age, personal income, and relationship status. Measurement invariance or measurement equivalence between the measured research constructs was also explored. The pursuit of a more enduring positive emotive state of satisfaction with life and well-being has become a focal point in various academic disciplines and their applications. Subjective well-being (SWB) is intrinsically valued as a measure of the end goal of all human activities and extrinsically valuable as a predictor of change in societal conditions and progress. Consequently, researching SWB bears importance. Secondary data (n = 10 516) comprising an adult, graduate sample was utilised that was obtained from quantitative cross-sectional surveys between 2017 and 2019 of which the research instruments involved the non-verbal Self Assessment Manikin (SAM) scale to collect attitude (Pleasure-Arousal-Dominance) data, the Personal Mastery scale to collect locus of control (LOC) data, and the Satisfaction With Life (SWL) scale to collect life satisfaction data. It was established that gender, age, personal income, and relationship status moderate SWB in different intensities. The predictive effect of these variables on SWB is firstly determined by SWL, followed by LOC, and then PAD, which are then further moderated by gender, age, income, and relationship status. The data conceptualises the literature study of the conceptual model presented. Besides descriptive statistics, the model could be confirmed by means of structural equation modelling, multiple regression analysis and by establishing the relative predictive effect of the sociodemographic variables on SWB. The results contribute to the understanding of SWB as a primary latent psychological construct to ensuring a mentally healthy and sustainable society. A contribution is made to the theoretical foundation underlying salutogenic psychology and well-being research, and also contributes to the methodological and psychometric qualities of the research instruments utilised for addressing the research objectives.