From Hassles to Well-Being: Unravelling the Mediating Role of Daily Affect

Abstract

This 5-day diary study examined the impact of daily hassles on well-being, with a focus on the mediating role of positive and negative affect. Previous research has extensively explored the effects of major life events on well-being, yet the influence of minor daily stressors remains poorly understood. We employed a daily diary methodology with 218 participants, aged 18 to 56, who reported their daily hassles, affect and well-being over five consecutive days. Results revealed that daily hassles significantly predicted both current and prospective well-being, mediated by changes in affect. Specifically, at the within-person level, negative affect increased and positive affect decreased in response to daily hassles, both contributing to reduced well-being. At the between-person level, only negative affect mediated this relationship. Our findings underscore the cumulative impact of minor daily stressors on well-being, highlighting the importance of affective responses in this process. This study contributes to a more nuanced understanding of how everyday stressors influence well-being, emphasizing the need for strategies to manage daily hassles and enhance emotional resilience.