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Mitigating the Negative Effects of Lower-Class Backgrounds on Subjective Well-Being: The Role of Nonessentialist Views of Happiness

Author

Listed:
  • Youngju Kim

    (Dong-Eui University)

  • Xyle Ku

    (Korea Military Academy)

  • Jennifer Hyunji Kim

    (Seoul National University)

  • Sung-Ha Lee

    (Yonsei University)

  • Seung Eun Cha

    (University of Wisconsin-Madison
    University of Wisconsin-Madison)

  • Incheol Choi

    (Seoul National University
    Seoul National University)

Abstract

Previous research indicates that individuals from lower social class backgrounds are prone to experiencing lower levels of subjective well-being (SWB). In the present research, we sought to examine the role of essentialist beliefs about happiness (EBH) in moderating the strength of the association between social class and SWB. We carried out investigations in four samples recruited from South Korea (total N = 6,149). In Studies 1 A, 1B, and 2, we found that the endorsement of nonessentialist (vs. essentialist) beliefs about happiness—the belief that happiness can be cultivated with effort and is not immutable or biologically determined—attenuated class-based disparities in SWB. In (preregistered) Study 3, we manipulated EBH and found a similar pattern of results. Together, our findings suggest that nonessentialist beliefs can buffer individuals of lower social class backgrounds against poor SWB, indicating that the happiness gap between the upper and lower social strata of society is not inevitable.

Suggested Citation

  • Youngju Kim & Xyle Ku & Jennifer Hyunji Kim & Sung-Ha Lee & Seung Eun Cha & Incheol Choi, 2025. "Mitigating the Negative Effects of Lower-Class Backgrounds on Subjective Well-Being: The Role of Nonessentialist Views of Happiness," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 26(5), pages 1-23, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jhappi:v:26:y:2025:i:5:d:10.1007_s10902-025-00909-0
    DOI: 10.1007/s10902-025-00909-0
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