Valuing happiness predicts higher well-being: The moderating role of acceptance

Recent research has found that individual tendencies to pursue positive hedonic states, defined as Valuing Happiness (VH), might bring about negative well-being outcomes. However, there lacked consistent evidence to support VH's paradoxical effects beyond European American contexts. The current study aimed to investigate how VH influences individual well-being within a highly interdependent culture, and additionally, the moderating role of acceptance in their relationship. We surveyed 266 participants online to assess their levels of VH, acceptance (a facet of dispositional mindfulness), well-being (indicated by life satisfaction, hedonic balance, and psychological well-being), and depression symptoms. Results showed that VH positively predicted life satisfaction and positive affect in a Chinese sample, even controlling for age. Moreover, the interaction between VH and acceptance was significant for psychological well-being. VH had a stronger effect on well-being for people who were low in acceptance than for those who were high in acceptance. These findings suggest that being motivated by happiness values might enhance well-being in an interdependent context, particularly for those who were less likely to accept their internal experiences. Implications were discussed in light of the motivational processes involved in individual happiness pursuits.