Mental Illness as a Predictor of Subjective Happiness Among University Employees Working in Hawai'i

J Psychosoc Nurs Ment Health Serv. 2024 May;62(5):39-48. doi: 10.3928/02793695-20231017-01. Epub 2023 Oct 27.

Abstract

The World Health Organization adopted happiness as an indicator of societal progress in addressing conditions that directly affect psychological well-being and recommended communities address the determinants and obstacles to subjective well-being. Therefore, we conducted an online survey, informed by the Sustainable Happiness Model, among university employees that measured life circumstances (sociodemographics) and intentional leisure-time moderate-to-vigorous physical activity as potential predictors of subjective happiness (assessed using the Subjective Happiness Scale [SHS]). The multiethnic sample (N = 85) primarily included those who identified as White (44%), Asian (33%), and Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander (16%). The most prevalent age range was 41 to 50 years (31%), and 55% of the sample identified as female, 78% as faculty, and 22% as staff. Reporting a current mental health condition had significantly lower SHS scores compared to all other factors. Future research should explore interventions to support and improve university employee's mental health and overall well-being. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 62(5), 39-48.].

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Faculty / psychology
  • Female
  • Happiness*
  • Hawaii
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mental Disorders* / psychology
  • Mental Health
  • Middle Aged
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Universities