Robert Ashley Cummins

This article describes two studies which test predictions derived from the Theory of Subjective Wellbeing Homeostasis in relation to self-report, correlational data. The theory proposes that all self-report data contain a common source of variance called Homeostatically Protected Mood (HPMood). It is therefore hypothesised that the magnitude of inter-correlations between self-report measures will diminish after their shared variance of HPMood has been removed. The first study analyses the extent to which the Primal World Beliefs (Primals) correlate with subjective wellbeing (SWB), before and after controlling for HPMood. The second study confirms the reliability of study 1 results. It also extends the analyses to examine the correlation between the brief 4-item Primals measure, and other related self-report measures, again before and after controlling for the HPMood. Analyses are based on data from approximately 1,000 participants collected at two timepoints. The hypotheses are supported, showing that both the Primals and other tested measures do not represent constructs that are independent from HPMood. This result throws doubt on the interpretation of correlations between Primals and the other self-report variables that were tested, bringing into question the validity of positive psychology overall.

Australians’ average subjective well-being has barely deviated over the past few years. But there have been some remarkable changes among disadvantaged groups.