Abstract

The present research corresponds to a non-experimental cross-sectional study that analyzed the effects of the trait-state anxiety variables on positive affectivity and satisfaction with life. Following a convenience sampling, participants were 742 university students. The instruments used were the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS), the Trait-State Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and the positive affects dimension of the Positive Affect and Negative Affect Scale (PANAS). Structural Equation Models were conducted to assess the effect of the studied variables on wellbeing. Results showed that the trait-anxiety model presents slight inverse relations (b < 0.10; Cohen, 1988) with life satisfaction and positive affectivity, while the state-anxiety model presents moderate relations (b < 0.30). This last one is a better predictor of life satisfaction and positive affectivity. The overall model presents an adequate fit to data (RMSEA = 0.037, CFI = 0.93, TLI = 0.93, SRMR = 0.049). It is concluded that state anxiety has a stronger effect on wellbeing indicators