Abstract
Wellbeing has been of paramount concern to scholars since antiquity, and the
pursuit of wellbeing has become a central part of western life. This study was
dedicated to wellbeing and optimal human functioning. The study aimed to
establish the investment in self construct as a wellbeing construct. In the spirit of
positive psychology, the focus of the present study was on the salutary constructs of
wellbeing and optimal functioning. To this end, the relationships between
investment in self, emotional intelligence and wellbeing and optimal functioning
were investigated.
Satisfaction with life, relationship satisfaction and job satisfaction were chosen to
operationalise wellbeing and optimal functioning, as they were seen as the real-life
outcomes of wellness. Measures targeting each of the variables were completed by
352 volunteers from the general population. The data was analysed using the Rash
measurement model, correlations and structural equation modelling.
The results indicated that investment in self has a positive relationship to emotional
intelligence. Investment in self is also positively associated with wellbeing and
optimal functioning, as it correlated positively with satisfaction with life and job
satisfaction. Similarly, emotional intelligence was found to have a significant
relationship to satisfaction with life, relationship satisfaction and job satisfaction.
Collectively, this study has successfully shown that investment in self can positively
improve people’s lives. Similarly, emotional intelligence seems to have positive
benefits to everyday life
Prof. G.P. De Bruin