Subjective well-being: Above neuroticism and extraversion, autonomy motivation matters

• Does autonomy and impersonal orientations predict SWB above established trait dispositions?
• Hypotheses are tested by structural equation modeling.
• Results show that a higher autonomy orientation predicted increased SWB above neuroticism and extraversion.
• Results are discussed within the principles of integrative personality psychology.

This study tested whether general causality orientations explained unique variance in subjective well-being (SWB). That is, whether autonomy and impersonal orientations predicted SWB above trait dispositions. Hypotheses were tested by structural equation modeling (SEM) of data from a large sample (N = 1181). Results showed that a higher autonomy orientation predicted increased SWB above neuroticism and extraversion, whereas impersonal orientation was non-significant. Based on these results and the principles of integrative personality psychology, we argue that such distinct individual differences should be considered together in personality explanations of behavior.