Emotional intelligence, vital anguish, humor and mindfulness: unpacking their roles in subjective well-being

Purpose The present research explores subjective well-being (SWB) and associated levels of perception in the new generations, specifically in the Generation Z (Gen Z) group that works in the technology sector. Design/methodology/approach This research analyzes the perceptions of young Gen Z professional engineers, based on an integrative approach that considers variables such as emotional intelligence, vital anguish, mindfulness, sense of humor and SWB. For this purpose, a research instrument was designed that incorporates validated scales such as the MASS-28, the DASS-21 and the TMMS-24. Findings The findings reveal that SWB is directly and positively enhanced by the practice of mindfulness and a sense of humor. The proposed model shows indirect and interlinked effects between emotional intelligence, vital anguish and sense of humor. The data show that greater emotional awareness may be associated with an increase in vital anguish and a decrease in mindfulness, suggesting that delving into one's emotions and environment does not always promote greater mental balance. Originality/value The finding that a sense of humor negatively impacts mindfulness could be explained by the pressure to fit in socially, which distracts from the development of genuine mindfulness. On the other hand, the positive effect of vital anguish on mindfulness suggests that those who have gone through intense experiences of stress, anxiety or depression tend to harness mindfulness more effectively, using it as a tool to achieve greater SWB. This research provides value to leaders, entrepreneurs, specialists and academics interested in managing high-performance teams and promoting well-being among employees or students.