Buddhism and Subjective Wellbeing: Do Self-Esteem, Optimism and Perceived Control Play a Role?

Abstract

This study investigated the relationship\rbetween Buddhism and subjective wellbeing within the theoretical framework of a\rrevised homeostatic model of subjective wellbeing (SWB). This model integrates\rthe affective (homeostatically protected mood: content, happy and excited),\rcognitive (self-esteem, optimism and perceived control: primary control and\rsecondary control) and experiential factors in relating to SWB. Given that the\rreligious doctrine of Buddhism advocates selflessness and self-attained\rliberation from suffering, it is predicted that, among the cognitive factors,\rprimary control and optimism will predict more significant SWB variance beyond\rthe other homeostatic model factors than self-esteem. Additionally, compared\rwith those without religious belief, the Buddhists would be higher in SWB, primary\rcontrol and optimism, but lower in self-es- teem. Chinese samples were drawn in\rHong Kong comprising 153 Buddhists and 240 participants without religious\rbelief. Through the use of questionnaire, it was found that, quite contrary to\rprediction, secondary control and self-esteem explained significant SWB\rvariance for the Buddhists while none was provided by primary control and\roptimism. Also, no significant intergroup difference was found on SWB and all\rcognitive factors. The results were discussed in terms of difficulty in the\reradication of egocentric mentality.