Self-construal and Subjective Well-being among Chinese University Students: The Mediation Effect of Optimism

Abstract

Objectives. The current study examined the predictive power of self-construal on optimism and subjective well-being, and the association between optimism on subjective well-being. The mediation effect of optimism on the link between self-construal and subjective well-being was explored too. Methods. Undergraduate participants were recruited from Hong Kong, Malaysia, Mainland China and Taiwan and asked to complete a questionnaire in either hard copy or soft copy online. Particularly, the questionnaire consisted of five parts: (1) Self-Construal Scale; (2) the revised Life Orientation Test; (3) the Satisfaction with Life Scale; (4) Subjective Happiness Scale; and (5) demographic information. Results. Optimism was found to be associated positively with life satisfaction and subjective happiness, respectively. Only independent self, but not interdependent self, correlated significantly with optimism. None of the effect of the two selves was found on life satisfaction and subjective happiness, after controlling for the control variables. Optimism was found to be a significant mediator in the relationship between independent self and life satisfaction and subjective happiness, respectively. Besides, gender differences were found in independent self, optimism and life satisfaction while parental status differences were found in independent self. Females reported higher scores than males across the three variables while participants that have non-intact parents reported greater independent self than participants having intact parents Conclusion. Optimism predicts not only psychological and physical well-being but also subjective well-being. Subjective happiness is suggested to be an essential outcome for studies, especially in the field of Positive Psychology. The stronger independent self predicts greater optimism, regardless the strength of interdependent self. Although no direct effect of independent self on subjective well-being, its effect could be expressed indirectly through the mediation of optimism. Limitations and suggestions for future research were discussed later.