School of Psychology, Deakin University Perceived Control & Wellbeing Sue Chambers, Jackie Hollway, Emma-Rose Parsons & Clea Wallage

Subjective Wellbeing (SWB) Related to domains in personal life Standard of living, health, achievement, personal relationships, safety, community belonging, future security Key question measuring general life satisfaction:

Normal Distribution of SWB Prediction Positive cognitive biases work to maintain SWB in band.

Homeostatic Model Prediction: Normally cognitive biases maintain positive SWB. Otherwise defeat

Other domains of life National: economy, environment, social conditions, government, business, security Neighbourhood: trust, participation, goals, security, environment, public resources, sharing Contribution to SWB?

SWB & Domains Prediction Positive cognitive biases used to maintain SWB more relevant to personal than > distal domains of neighbourhood & nation

Cognitive biases Self-esteem, perceived control & optimism Perceived Control Primary: active strategy to change external situation Secondary: active strategy to modify relevant cognitions Relinquished: loss of control: no adaptive strategy

Predictions SWB in normal band: primary & secondary control strategies operating SWB in low band: Primary & secondary control defeat: relinquished control Personal wellbeing > predictor of SWB than Neighbourhood or National wellbeing

Method Participants: 578 adults from Australian Unity Wellbeing sample Procedure: Completed 63 item questionnaire, returned by post. Measures General life satisfaction question (SWB) Wellbeing scales: personal, neighbourhood & national (alphas >.80) Perceived Control scales: primary, secondary, relinquished Group: SWB scores 80 (G3)

Results Group wellbeing means Personal Neighbourhood National

Predictors of SWB: Gp 1

Predictors of SWB: Gp 2

Predictors of SWB: Gp 3

Primary Control X Group

Secondary Control X Group

Relinquished Control X Group

Personal Wellbeing x Group

Neighbourhood Wellbeing x Group

National Wellbeing x Group

Conclusions Homeostasis model supported & useful Control strategies differ with SBW level Useful approach for interventions Distal-proximal model of relation of domains to SWB supported. General-specific aspect: further analysis Scales offer reliable & valid measures for further research examining perceived control & SWB in conjunction with self-esteem & optimism & varying challenging contexts