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.