Set points of positivity ratio for different levels of well-being: A latent profile analysis

Abstract

Previous studies have explored the set points of the positivity ratio by grouping according to predetermined cut-off scores, resulting in inconsistent criteria and unstable results. This study intends to further explore the set points of the positivity ratio using latent profile analysis. Two samples of 716 college students and 381 adults in China completed the Questionnaire for Eudaimonic Well-Being, the Personal Growth Subscale from Ryff's Psychological Well-being Scale, the Need Satisfaction Questionnaire, and the Emotional Experience of Well-Being Questionnaire. College students were classified into four classes (2.0, 2.8, 3.7 and 5.0) with the set points of the positivity ratio, whereas adults were classified into three classes (1.9, 2.9 and 4.2) with the set points of the positivity ratio. The difference of the set points between college students and adults was nonsignificant for medium and high well-being classes, and significant with a small effect size for the higher well-being class. Future research should examine more diverse samples and combine the real experience method to further explore the set points of the positivity ratio.