Place matters: consensual features and regional variation in American well-being and self.
Consensual and regionally distinct features of well-being and self were examined in a nationally representative survey of midlife Americans (ages 25-75). Consistent with key American ideology, Study 1 found that a majority of Americans believe they have high levels of mastery, purpose, life satisfaction, overall health, family and work obligation, and partner and family support. Study 2 found distinct regional well-being profiles (e.g., New England reflected concern with not being constrained by others; Mountain showed concern with environmental mastery; West South Central with personal growth and feeling cheerful and happy; West North Central with feeling calm, peaceful, and satisfied; and East South Central with contributing to others' well-being). Study 3 found regional self profiles consistent with the well-being profiles.
Plaut
Victoria C
VC
Department of Psychology, Stanford University, California 94305-2130, USA. plaut@psych.stanford.edu
Markus
Hazel Rose
HR
Lachman
Margie E
ME
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003469:Culture; D005260:Female; D006240:Happiness; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D012649:Self Concept; D012919:Social Behavior; D014481:United States