Subjective Well-being and Depression: A Comparative Study among College Students

The study examines the differences in subjective well-being among mildly-depressed and non-depressed college students (n=160). Subjective well-being was assessed using measures of general well-being, life satisfaction, positive affect, negative affect and self-esteem. The P.G.I. general well being scale was used to assess general well-being of the participants, while the Satisfaction with Life Scale was used to assess global life satisfaction. PANAS-R adapted from the original PANAS was used to measure affective responses while the Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory was used to assess the self-esteem of participants. The results indicate that non-depressed participants reported better general well-being, greater life satisfaction, more positive affect and less negative affect and higher self-esteem as compared to mildly-depressed participants.