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ABSTRACT
Researchers broadly recognize happiness and meaning in life as key indicators of hedonic and eudaimonic well-being respectively. Although happiness and meaning in life are life pursuits among many people, they might differ in their associations with mental health. Taking both a preventative and promotive approach (Wong, 2013), this study examined the relations of happiness and meaning in life with mental health using a university student sample (N = 284). Happiness and meaning in life were both uniquely, negatively related to perceived stress as well as anxiety and depressive symptoms, although happiness was more strongly linked to these mental health outcomes. Additionally, happiness and meaning in life were both indirectly related to anxiety and depressive symptoms through their positive association with perceived stress. Based on our findings and previous literature, we propose the following distinction between happiness and meaning in life: the former leads to self-satisfying outcomes and the latter yields self-transcending outcomes. We propose that the overlap between the two constructs result in salutary outcomes, reflecting the emphasis of Positive Psychology 2.0 on the complexity of meaning in life and the intricate link between positive and negative psychological processes. Implications for counseling are discussed.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.
Additional information
Notes on contributors
P. F. Jonah Li
P. F. Jonah Li, M.A. is a doctoral student of Counseling Psychology at Indiana University Bloomington. His research interests are in positive existential psychology, including positive therapies, meaning in life, hope, encouragement, gratitude, and existential anxieties.
Y. Joel Wong
Y. Joel Wong, Ph.D. is a Professor of Counseling Psychology at Indiana University Bloomington. Dr. Wong is a fellow of the American Psychological Association (Division 17, 45, and 51) and of the Asian American Psychological Association. His research interests are in positive psychology, Asian American mental health, and the psychology of men and masculinities.
Ruth C.-L. Chao
Ruth C.-L. Chao currently is an Associate Professor and a Department Chair in Counseling Psychology Department at the University of Denver. Her research interests include multicultural counseling topics. She teaches practicum and other practice-related courses.