Fifteenth International Conference on Environmental, Cultural, Economic & Social Sustainability

Abstract

This study provides information on the relationship between sustainable behaviors and subjective well-being among employees from a Northeastern College in the United States, providing detailed results and conclusions. Recent research suggests that participating in sustainable behaviors may lead to increased positive feelings. This study relates sustainable behaviors (SB), including altruism, frugality, pro-ecological behaviors, and equity, with subjective well-being (SWB). Using tools that assessed participation in sustainable behaviors and perception of subjective well-being, we surveyed 402 adults employed at a northeastern college. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling. Results indicated that sustainable behaviors predicted 6.5% of the variance in subjective well-being in this sample. The results suggest that the more pro-ecological, altruistic, frugal, and equitable a person reports to be, the higher his or her own perception of well-being will be. The study provides strong evidence to support the concept that sustainable behaviors may not only solely benefit the planet, but may also positively influence humanity’s overall well-being.