BE HAPPY TO BE SUCCESSFUL: A MEDIATIONAL MODEL OF PERMA VARIABLES

Abstract

The present study proposed and tested a novel mediational model of PERMA (Positive Emotions, Engagement, Positive Relationships, Meaning and Accomplishment). It was hypothesized that Positive emotions would act on Accomplishment through the mediators (Engagement, Positive Relationships and Meaning) and that Positive Emotions would also have a direct effect on Accomplishment. The findings partially supported the proposed model. Expectedly, the indirect effects through Positive Relationships and Meaning were both significant. The finding that Meaning mediates the relationship between Positive Emotions and Accomplishment is a novel one. Meaning was also found to be a stronger mediator than Positive Relationships. It was also found that Positive Emotions had a direct effect on Accomplishment. Surprisingly, the indirect effect through Engagement was not significant even though past research has found a mediational role of Engagement. The implications of this surprising finding are discussed. Lastly, it is proposed that future workplace interventions can seek to increase Positive Emotions and Meaning specifically.