Unlocking the Happiness Equation: The Mediating Role of Self-Esteem between Valuing Happiness and Negative Affect among Young Adults

T. Shadhiya, and S. Sasikala
University of Madras, Chennai

Pages: 129-136

 Happiness plays a vital role in a person’s overall state of wellness, making it likely that
prioritizing happiness would yield beneficial effects. Nevertheless, recent studies indicate
that relentlessly seeking happiness in every situation might backfire and harm the
individual’s well-being. The present study was carried out to find out the influence of
self-esteem and negative affect on valuing happiness among young adults. A sample of
150 subjects aged 18-24 years was selected based on convenience sampling. The
Valuing Happiness Scale (VHS), State Self-esteem Scale and Scale of Positive and
Negative Experience (SPANE) were used to assess Valuing Happiness, Self-esteem
and negative affect, respectively. Correlation results indicated that valuing Happiness
was associated with self-esteem and Negative Affect. Regression analysis used to
establish mediation showed that negative affect exerted its indirect effect on valuing
happiness through self-esteem. The findings corroborate an important role of self-esteem
in negative affect and its effects on valuing happiness. Overly seeking happiness in life
situations can therefore be influenced by people’s negative affect and level of self
esteem. The results discussed highlighting the importance of real happiness and
staying positive without the conscious effort to focus only on that and .sensitization to
young adults is essential by providing proper intervention