Selflessness and Happiness in Everyday Life

Abstract

Abstract. Using the experience sampling method (ESM), this study examines the relationship between experienced selflessness and experienced happiness. Based on the self-centered/selflessness happiness model (SSHM), we hypothesized that: (a) these two constructs would be positively related and (b) harmony feeling would mediate this relation. Using ESM, the participants ( N = 63) filled in a short survey, five times a day during 2 days (response rate = 79.2%; 482 observations). A linear mixed-model analysis showed that selflessness and harmony feelings were significant predictors of happiness. Finally, a mediation analysis indicated that harmony feeling emerged as a significant mediator of the relationship between selflessness and happiness at the experienced level. Overall, the study supports the idea that happiness does not depend solely on the satisfaction of one’s expectations but experiencing the self as an interdependent and relational entity also plays an important role. The implications of this study are discussed.