Abstract
This study explores the impact of two types of self-concept ambivalence—valence ambivalence and semantic ambivalence—on individuals’ subjective well-being. It aims to address why individuals in Eastern cultures, despite their tolerance for inconsistencies and contradictions in their self-concept, often report lower levels of subjective well-being. The results show a significant negative correlation between valence ambivalent self-concept and subjective well-being, while semantic ambivalent self-concept is associated with cognitive flexibility and positively predict subjective well-being. Additionally, the study finds that Chinese participants generally score higher on valence ambivalent self-concept than American participants, but no significant differences are observed in semantic ambivalent self-concept. The research emphasizes the importance of understanding and resolving ambivalent self-concepts for enhancing individuals’ subjective well-being and reveals the role of cultural differences in the relationship between ambivalent self-concept and subjective well-being.