Do self-related core beliefs incrementally predict life satisfaction over and above the Big Five? A longitudinal study

Life satisfaction is a central and extensively studied variable in personality psychology. Despite individuals' widespread efforts to enhance their life satisfaction, research shows that it is a relatively stable individual difference variable associated with personality traits, such as extraversion and neuroticism from the Big Five model. In this study, we investigate whether self-related core beliefs can predict life satisfaction beyond the Big Five traits. Core beliefs about the self are basic, generalized, and relatively stable cognitions that reflect what individuals think about themselves within their social context. By focusing on cognitions, core beliefs are more specific than the Big Five traits and may provide finer insights into the determinants of life satisfaction. We present results from a longitudinal study involving two measurement occasions approximately 13 months apart, utilizing data from the German Personality Panel with 404 young adults (69% female; average age 24 years at the first measurement occasion). Consistent with the existing literature, the Big Five traits significantly predicted life satisfaction, accounting for 28 % of the explained variance beyond demographic variables, with significant beta weights for all traits except openness. When self-related core beliefs were added to the model, the explained variance increased by 18 % (p < .001). Significant predictors were being optimistic vs. pessimistic, content, and trusting, which also accounted for most of the variance previously explained by the Big Five traits. These results were largely replicated when controlling for initial levels of life satisfaction, indicating that self-related core beliefs also predict trajectories across time. We conclude that self-related core beliefs are significant predictors of future life satisfaction, offering better predictive power compared to the broader Big Five traits. Given that beliefs can be modified through intervention, they may serve as a valuable starting point for enhancing life satisfaction.