This meta-analysis examines the effects of major life events on subjective well-being (SWB), specifically focusing on the differences between cognitive and affective well-being and the rate of adaptation to these events. The analysis integrates data from 188 publications (313 samples, N = 65,911) to study four family events (marriage, divorce, bereavement, child birth) and four work events (unemployment, reemployment, retirement, relocation/migration). The findings show that life events have varying effects on affective and cognitive well-being, with cognitive well-being showing stronger and more consistent effects across samples. The rate of adaptation varies across different life events, with some events leading to faster adaptation than others. The study also discusses the theoretical implications and provides recommendations for future research on adaptation.This meta-analysis examines the effects of major life events on subjective well-being (SWB), specifically focusing on the differences between cognitive and affective well-being and the rate of adaptation to these events. The analysis integrates data from 188 publications (313 samples, N = 65,911) to study four family events (marriage, divorce, bereavement, child birth) and four work events (unemployment, reemployment, retirement, relocation/migration). The findings show that life events have varying effects on affective and cognitive well-being, with cognitive well-being showing stronger and more consistent effects across samples. The rate of adaptation varies across different life events, with some events leading to faster adaptation than others. The study also discusses the theoretical implications and provides recommendations for future research on adaptation.