Statistical Analysis of Internal Dominant Focus: Comparing Positivity and Mindfulness as Predictors of Subjective Well-Being

Abstract: This study investigated the relationship between Internal Dominant Focus (IDF) on Positivity vs. Mindfulness (MAS) on Subjective Well-Being (SWB) among 385 adult participants using a quantitative, correlation and regression analysis on a cross-sectional research design. This paper compared the predictive influence of internal dominant focus on Mindfulness vs. internal dominant focus on Positivity. Mindfulness was measured using the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), while Positivity was assessed through a combination of established psychological instruments: the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS), HAM-A Anxiety Scale, WHO-5 Well-Being Index, and Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). SWB was computed as a composite score integrating mental (PANAS + SWLS). The mean and variance scores indicate that the participants exhibited a stronger focus on positivity (M = 8.48, Var = 5.79) compared to mindfulness (M = 4.81, Var = 0.78). Correlational analysis revealed a strong relationship between IDF on Positivity and SWB (r = 0.758) and a moderate relationship for Mindfulness (r = 0.290). Linear regression confirmed that IDF on Positivity (R² = 0.730) is a more powerful predictor of SWB than Mindfulness (R² = 0.206). A combined regression score including positivity & mindfulness (R2 = 0.747) explained 74.7% of the variance in SWB. These findings emphasize the developmental importance of training children & adults to develop an internal dominant focus on positivity with mindfulness for higher well-being.