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What are the Differences between Happiness and Self-Esteem

Social Indicators Research volume 78, pages 363–404 (2006)Cite this article

Abstract

The present study investigated theoretically and empirically derived similarities and differences between the constructs of enduring happiness and self-esteem. Participants (N = 621), retired employees ages 51–95, completed standardized measures of affect, personality, psychosocial characteristics, physical health, and demographics. The relations between each of the two target variables (happiness and self-esteem) and the full set of remaining variables were assessed through a series of successive statistical analyses: (1) simple Pearson’s correlations, (2) partial correlations, and (3) hierarchical regression analyses. The results revealed that happiness and self-esteem, while highly correlated (r = 0.58), presented unique patterns of relations with the other measured variables. The best predictors of happiness were the following: mood and temperamental traits (i.e., extraversion and neuroticism), social relationships (lack of loneliness and satisfaction with friendships), purpose in life, and global life satisfaction. By contrast, self-esteem was best predicted by dispositions related to agency and motivation (i.e., optimism and lack of hopelessness). Implications for the understanding of happiness and self-esteem are discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, University of California, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA

    Sonja Lyubomirsky, Chris Tkach & M. Robin DiMatteo

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  1. Sonja Lyubomirsky
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  2. Chris Tkach
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  3. M. Robin DiMatteo
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Correspondence to Sonja Lyubomirsky.

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Lyubomirsky, S., Tkach, C. & DiMatteo, M.R. What are the Differences between Happiness and Self-Esteem. Soc Indic Res 78, 363–404 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11205-005-0213-y

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Keywords

  • affect
  • agency
  • happiness
  • nomological net
  • personality
  • self-esteem
  • subjective well-being