Subjective Well-Being during Political Violence and Uncertainty

Abstract

The present research seeks to compare the subjective well-being (SWB) of Lebanese college youth between a sample assessed in 2003, during peace time, and a comparable one assessed in 2007 during politically violent and tumultuous times. The current study builds on a positive psychology framework that asserts that, in spite of adverse circumstances, positive affect and subjective well-being and its correlates allow for daily functioning in most cases. Results did not support any significant differences between the first (2003) and second study (2007) data. As expected, optimism, self-esteem, and negative affect predicted SWB. Additional findings show that demographic variables such as socioeconomic status were associated with higher SWB. Gender differences were found, whereby males scored higher on positive affect than females.