Congruence and well-being in a student sample: an investigation using the experience sampling model

An undergraduate student sample was used to explore the Experience Sampling Method (ESM) in a study looking at the relationship between person by environment fit (congruence) and well-being. Specifically, does congruence account for well-being above and beyond personality variables or environmental variables on their own? Activities were monitored using the ESM and personality variables were collected using the PRF (Form E). Well-being was measured using the subscales of the General WellBeing Schedule: adjustment well-being, behavioral well-being and a composite total well-being score. Three methods of operationalizing congruence were used; an informed observer method (congruence according to the investigator), an intersubjective method (congruence according to a committee of undergraduate students) and a subject method (congruence according to the subjects themselves). These multiple methods of obtaining congruence were compared and discussed due to the issues surrounding the operationalizing of congruence (i.e. who is best to determine which personality factors "fit" in which environmental conditions). Issues concerning the statistical modeling of congruence and well-being relationships were also investigated. Linear and quadratic models of fit were compared and the theoretical implications are discussed. It was found that the investigator method of coding predicted behavioral well-being as measured by the General Well-Being Schedule but that is was less of a predictor than personality characteristics. Neither the intersubjective or the subjective methods of coding were able to predict well-being.