The relationship between dialectical self and hedonic, eudaimonic, and social well-being

Abstract

The present study examined the relationship between a dialectical self and three different
conceptions of well-being: hedonic, eudaimonic, and social well-being. Dialectical self
refers to the ability to recognize contradictions and changes in the self. The study was
built upon previous research by Spencer-Rodgers and her colleagues (2004) that found a
negative relationship between being dialectical and hedonic well-being (specifically selfesteem
and life satisfaction). Although this previous study indicated that the more one
perceives oneself as tolerant of contradiction and change, the more one would tend to
experience life dissatisfaction and negative feelings (i.e., hedonic well-being), the current
study predicted that individuals with a more dialectical sense of self would experience the
contrary with other types of well-being, particularly eudaimonic and social well-being. It
was expected that a more dialectical self would be associated with lower levels of
hedonic well-being, but with higher levels of eudaimonic and social well-being. One
hundred and seven college students responded to scales measuring dialectical self as well
as hedonic, eudaimonic, and social well-being. Contrary to expectations, higher levels of
dialecticism were associated with lower levels of eudaimonic well-being. In tum, lower
levels of eudaimonic well-being were accompanied by lower levels ofhedonic and social
well-being.

Date of Award	2012
Original language	American English
Awarding Institution	Eastern Illinois University
Supervisor	Ronan Bernas (Supervisor)