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Does Valuing Happiness Enhance Subjective Well-Being? The Age-Differential Effect of Interdependence

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  • Natalie Wong

    (The Chinese University of Hong Kong)

  • Xianmin Gong

    (The Chinese University of Hong Kong
    University of Zurich)

  • Helene H. Fung

    (The Chinese University of Hong Kong)

Abstract

Previous studies found that the association between valuing happiness and well-being could be mediated by interdependence, and such mediation differed across cultures. We hypothesize a similar disparity between younger and older generations within the same culture. To test this hypothesis, the current study assessed Chinese younger and older adults’ self-construal (independence and interdependence), subjective well-being, and the extent to which they valued happiness. The results showed that valuing happiness was only significantly associated with independent self-construal and was not associated with subjective well-being in younger adults. Valuing happiness was positively associated with both independent and interdependent self-construal among older adults, but only the latter mediated the relationship between valuing happiness and subjective well-being. Our findings suggest that the effect of valuing happiness may change with age.

Suggested Citation

  • Natalie Wong & Xianmin Gong & Helene H. Fung, 2020. "Does Valuing Happiness Enhance Subjective Well-Being? The Age-Differential Effect of Interdependence," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 21(1), pages 1-14, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jhappi:v:21:y:2020:i:1:d:10.1007_s10902-018-00068-5
    DOI: 10.1007/s10902-018-00068-5
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Yukiko Uchida & Vinai Norasakkunkit & Shinobu Kitayama, 2004. "Cultural constructions of happiness: theory and emprical evidence," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 5(3), pages 223-239, September.
    2. Xinwen Bai & Chiahuei Wu & Rui Zheng & Xiaopeng Ren, 2011. "The Psychometric Evaluation of the Satisfaction with Life Scale Using a Nationally Representative Sample of China," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 12(2), pages 183-197, April.
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    Cited by:

    1. Tiziana CARPI & Airo HINO & Stefano Maria IACUS & Giuseppe PORRO, 2022. "A Japanese Subjective Well-Being Indicator Based on Twitter Data [‘Collective Smile: Measuring Societal Happiness from Geolocated Images’]," Social Science Japan Journal, University of Tokyo and Oxford University Press, vol. 25(2), pages 273-296.
    2. Xianmin Gong & Xiaomin Chang & Ziyang Xia & Xianglong Zeng, 2025. "Pursuing Happiness Together or Alone? Social and Solitary Happiness-Pursuit Activities Differentially Relate to Older Adults’ Emotional Happiness," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 26(4), pages 1-16, April.
    3. Chen-Wei Yu & Yen-Ping Chang & Cheng-Hsien Li & Hsiang-Yi Wu, 2023. "From Emotion Beliefs to Regulatory Behavior: Gratitude Journaling Initiation and Outcomes," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 24(1), pages 57-78, January.

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