Associations of global and specific components of positive psychological well-being with mortality risk: Findings from two cohort studies.

Abstract

Previous studies have examined how various aspects of positive psychological well-being (PPWB) independently relate to healthy aging, yet a notable gap remains in understanding the effects of their overlap (i.e., shared variance). We used data from two longitudinal cohorts, the Midlife Development in the United States Study and the Health and Retirement Study (N = 3,302 and 7,209), each of which assessed hedonic and eudaimonic facets of PPWB (positive affect, purpose in life, personal growth, and self-acceptance) and tracked mortality status across 14-15 years of follow-up. We derived a global factor identifying elements common across PPWB facets and also specific PPWB factors from a bifactor model. Then, we examined if higher PPWB levels (global and specific) are associated with mortality risk. Across cohorts, higher global well-being factor levels were associated with reduced mortality risk, even after adjusting for a range of potential confounders. Fewer independent associations were evident with the specific PPWB factors. Findings suggest that variance common across hedonic and eudaimonic facets of PPWB is associated with lower mortality risk. Considering the shared versus unique effects of different PPWB facets can offer valuable insights for theorizing mechanisms underlying health benefits of PPWB and guiding decisions about intervention targets.