Are wellbeing and illusory perceptions linked? The answer may be yes, but …

Abstract

The relationship between wellbeing and "positive illusions" has not been satisfactorily explained. Two studies investigated this issue through self-report data. Study 1 examined the relationship between wellbeing and positive illusion using happiness scores divided into three groups. Positive illusion in the form of self-enhancing bias was measured with trait ratings of the self and average others. The prediction that self-enhancing bias would be lower at high than at moderate happiness was not supported. However, self-enhancing bias was greater at moderate than at low happiness, through increasingly positive self-ratings. Similar results were obtained in Study 2 with a life satisfaction measure. The results suggest that positive illusions are related especially to moderate wellbeing, whereas positive self-views predict higher wellbeing levels.