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The examination of relationships between psychological flexibility and fear of happiness in young adults: the mediating role of life satisfactionAbstract
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This study aims to between psychological flexibility (high scores on the scale = indicate psychological rigidity), happiness fear, as well as satisfaction of life in young adults, and to test the mediator role of life satisfaction in the relationship between psychological flexibility and happiness fear. The research was conducted with 370 young adults aged 19–26 studying at several universities in Türkiye and Cyprus. Data were collected online using the Personal Information Form, Acceptance and Action Questionnaire–II (AAQ- II), Fear of Happiness Scale (FHS), and Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). The analyses were conducted using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS27) program and the PROcedures for Statistical and Causal Estimation (PROCESS) Macro, Model4, developed by A.F. Hayes. Besides, on one hand, psychological flexibility and fear of happiness (r = 0.545, p < 0.001) showed that positive and remarkable relationship in the person correlation analysis. On the other hand, a negative and important relationship was found bertween psychological flexibility and life satisfaction (r=-0.273, p < 0.001). In addition, a low-level, negative, and important relationship was detected between life satisfaction and fear of happiness (r=-0.198, p < 0.001). Apart from that, the psychological flexibility played significant predictive role for happiness fear (β = 0.531, p < 0.001) in the simple linear regression analysis. PROCESS mediation analysis revealed that as scores on the psychological flexibility scale increased (i.e., as psychological rigidity emerged), life satisfaction levels decreased (β = -0.273, p < .001), but the impact of life satisfaction on fear of happiness was not remarkable (β = -0. 053, p = .254), the indirect impact was not found to be significant (Bootstrap Lower Level Confidence Interval [BootLLCI]=-0.013; Bootstrap Upper Level Confidence Interval [BootULCI] = 0.067). Accordingly, life satisfaction does not mediate the relationship between psychological flexibility and fear of happiness. These findings suggest that psychological flexibility is a remarkable risk factor for fear of happiness in young adults and support the need for interventions that promote psychological flexibility.Keywords:
Psychological flexibility
fear of happiness
life satisfaction
young adulthood
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Introduction
Currently, aldulthood stage is identified as a key transitional phase in which human become capbable of developing their identity and detrmine their personal goals in life (Arnett, 2000). Psychological status and life satisfaction are directly influenced by the academic, emotional and psychological well-being of an individual. Psychological flexibility is currently gaining attention in positive psychology literature, due to its relevance in stress coping mechanisms and cherophobia (Kashdan & Rottenberg, 2010). Hence, exploring the link between psychological flexibility and fear of happiness, and the intervening role of life satisfaction could greatly enrich literature.
Psychological flexibility is defined as an individual’s capacity to openly reflect and share their changing personal experiences and situatons, while maintaining the ability to be present and retain their values (Hayes et al., 2006). It is a fundamental element of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), because it decreases a perosn’s psychological anxiety and boosts psychological wellness. It has been reported that individuals with good psychological flexibility adapt easily to stressful conditions and have better mental healt (Bond et al., 2011). Furthemore, Kashdan & Rottenberg (2010) highlighted the direct relation between individuals’ ability to acclimatize to dyanmic environmental conditions and pschological flexibility. This ability directly impacts on psychopathological symptoms like depression and anxiety, i.e protects them. Additionally, Southwick et al. (2014)'s study emphasizes that psychological flexibility plays a major role in mitigating the negative effects of traumatic experiences in individuals at risk for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Fletcher & Sarkar (2013) showed that psychological flexibility has positive impacts at both the individual-level and population-level, among athletes, leaders and high-performing individuals, and that it assists in sustaining performance in stressful situations. Tugade & Fredrickson (2004) researched psychological flexibility relative to positive emotions and found evidence of positive emotions contributing to individuals' ability to recover from stress and that positive emotions contributed to overall life satisfaction. Challenges experienced by young adults, including role conflict, academic pressures, and identity crises, can be understood and experienced differently based on level of psychological flexibility exhibited. For example, young adults who exhibit a high level of psychological flexibility have been found to cope with developmental crises more effectively and experience a more positive self-concept. (Arnett, 2000).
Happiness is typically regarded as a pleasant experience, but for some people, it can coexist with negative feelings like guilt, worry, or anxiety. This condition is defined in the literature as “fear of happiness” (cherophobia) (Joshanloo & Weijers, 2014). Some factors such beliefs discouraging enjoyment, fear of negative consequences due to happy moments, or its suppression due to cultural or social norms greatly influce individual’s fear of happiness. Joshanloo & Weijers (2014), deduced that, Eastern societies are more prone to avoid happiness due to the societal view of it as a sign of arrogance. This belief downplay person’s positive feelings leading to phobia of happiness (Gilbert et al., 2014), which resuts in reduced life fulfilment. Thus, suppressing individual’s overall psychological well being.
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Life satisfaction is described as a cognitive evaluation process that reflects an individual's overall assessment of their life and their level of satisfaction with it (Diener et al., 1985). Numerous studies indicate that individuals with high levels of psychological flexibility have higher levels of life satisfaction and, consequently, stronger psychological well-being (Gloria & Steinhardt, 2016; Graham et al., 2016). However, it is emphasised that fear of happiness has a detrimental impact on life satisfaction because the individual has difficulty internalising positive life events and therefore experiences a decrease in the pleasure they derive from life (Joshanloo & Weijers, 2014). In this respect, it is considered that life satisfaction is highly related to both psychological flexibility and fear of happiness. In fact, the literature contains findings suggesting that psychological flexibility can increase life satisfaction and is related to psychological well-being (Ciarrochi et al., 2010; Ong et al., 2006). In particular, it is thought that psychological flexibility can indirectly reduce the negative effects of fear of happiness by increasing life satisfaction. Therefore, models that examine life satisfaction as a mediating variable offer a more holistic perspective in terms of an individual's psychological resilience and emotional functioning (Yıldırım, 2019). Comprehending such relationships will contribute scientifically to both psychological counselling processes and the development of positive psychology-based intervention programmes (Gloster et al., 2011; Hayes, 2018).This study aims to take a closer look at the connection between psychological flexibility and fear of happiness in young adults and to test the possible mediating role of life satisfaction in this relationship. These two varibales encompass person’s psychological wellbeing and have attracted significant attention among researchers. Young adulthood stage is considered a critical phase for identity development. In this stage, individuals are trying to define their identitiy, life purpose and bracing for independence. Challenges including social, academic and emotional, at this phase are part and parcel of individual’s psychological adjustment process. In this regard, psychological flexibility is vital in decoding the challenges in young adult development.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is adopted in this research because it vividly describes psychological flexibility as a person’s ability to consciously interact with their personal experience, be present and trust their values (Hayes et al., 2006). In this context, it has been asserted that people with psychological flexibility adapt better to disturbing incidences, control negative emotional triggers by acknowledging and appropriately responding to the incidence to develop psychological resileince (Bond et al., 2011; Kashdan & Rottenberg, 2010). Although happiness is commonly seen good, some people experience it with negative emotions like guilt and anxiety (Joshanloo, 2014). This fear of happiness can develop from cultural or individual beliefs that negativity will follow happiness, which can result in the person suppressing positive experiences, and ultimately diminishing their life satisfaction (Joshanloo & Weijers, 2014; Gilbert et al., 2014).
In this framework, life satisfaction is defined as a subjective cognitive evaluation process that provides an overall evaluation of life and satisfaction (Diener et al., 1985), and several studies have demonstrated its relationship to both psychological flexibility and fear of happiness. Findings suggest that individuals high in psychological flexibility view life challenges as meaningful and manageable, which increases their life satisfaction (Gloster et al., 2011; Tyndall et al., 2018). Conversely, individuals high in fear of happiness have been demonstrated to have lower life satisfaction because they are unable to fully internalise positive life events and actively avoid these experiences (Joshanloo, 2013; Joshanloo et al., 2014).
When considering the contribution of the study to practice, it is hoped the findings will provide a scientifically-based foundation for designing and developing psychological counselling and psychoeducational interventions. It is expected that interventions that are developed to enhance psychological flexibility and decrease fear of happiness will enhance individuals' overall life satisfaction and psychological well being. Research has shown that psychological flexibility interventions decreased levels of stress, anxiety, and depression in university students, and improved overall well being (Köksal & Topkaya, 2025). Additionally, there is evidence to suggest that fear of happiness beliefs are negatively related to individuals' perceptions of life satisfaction and therefore need to be considered in psychological interventions (Joshanloo, 2013).
In summary, a combined study of the relationships among psychological flexibility, fear of happiness, and life satisfaction is essential to help promote psychological resilience among young adults, increase their subjective well-being, and promote their mental health. This study contributes a multidimensional perspective and holistic framework consistent with the positive psychology perspective that looks at positive psychological resources in individuals. It seeks to advance theoretical knowledge and formulate suggestions for raising the standard of psychological support services.
The following research questions were addressed under this framework.
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1. Is there a meaningful relationship between psychological flexibility and fear of happiness?
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2. Is psychological flexibility meaningfully related to life satisfaction?
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3. Is there a meaningful relationship between fear of happiness and life satisfaction?
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4. Does psychological flexibility predict fear of happiness?
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5. Does life satisfaction play a mediating role in the relationship between psychological flexibility and fear of happiness?
Method
Research model
This research has been structured within the cross-sectional-correlational survey model, which is one of the quantitative research methods. Events, circumstances, or people are studied over a predetermined period of time in cross-sectional study.In this type of study, events, situations and outcomes are evaluated simultaneously (Çaparlar & Dönmez, 2016). The correlational survey model, on the other hand, looks at the relationships and changes between two or more variables at the same time. The main purpose of this model is to ascertain how variables change at the same time and, if the change occurs simultaneously, to reveal its nature (Karasar, 2016). This model is frequently used to reveal correlations between psychological structures and to understand the possible causal pathways between these structures (Karasar, 2016). Considering the information provided, it was concluded that the correlational survey model was the most appropriate method as it required to examine the simultaneous relationships between variables in the study.
The primary objective of the study is to examine the relationships between psychological flexibility and fear of happiness in young adults and to test the mediating role of life satisfaction in this relationship. In this context, the research investigated the function of life satisfaction in the interplay between psychological flexibility and fear of happiness using a mediation model. Mediation analysis examines whether the effect of an independent variable (psychological flexibility) on the dependent variable (fear of happiness) can be accounted for by a third variable (life satisfaction) (Baron & Kenny, 1986; Hayes, 2018).
Sample
The participants for this research included young adults, who were aged between 19 to 26 years, enrolled in various universities located in Türkiye and Cyprus. Young adulthood can be seen as a time when individuals are faced with major developmental tasks such as completion of identity development, deciding on life goals, and transition to independent living, which makes this age group reasonable for studying psychological flexibility in combination with fear of happiness and life satisfaction (Arnett, 2000).
To avoid possible sampling errors and cover a broad range of variation, the study invited students from different disciplines and classifications. The sample size was determined considering the conduct of mediation analyses. In such analyses, the minimum necessary sample size recommended for the reliability of parameter estimates is generally 200 or more (Wolf et al., 2013). Thus, the study set out to reach at least 250–300 participants.
Since the sample consisted of young adults, a purposive sampling method was used. Purposive sampling is known as a sampling method in which the researcher selects participants who are thought to have information directly related to the research topic in line with a specific purpose (Yıldırım & Şimşek, 2016). Additionally, the study's inclusion/exclusion criteria were established as participants being at least a bachelor's level, aged 19–26 years, single, and childless.
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Participants were in the study voluntarily, and the data were gathered using an online form. Table 1 shows the demographic data of adolescent who took part in the current study.Variable  | Category | n | % |
|---|---|---|---|
Gender | Female | 235 | 63.5 |
Male | 135 | 36.5 | |
Age | 19 | 99 | 26.8 |
20 | 66 | 17.8 | |
21 | 41 | 11.1 | |
22 | 23 | 6.2 | |
23 | 11 | 3.0 | |
24 | 12 | 3.2 | |
25 | 113 | 30.5 | |
26 | 5 | 1.4 | |
Martial Status | Married | 0 | – |
Single | 370 | 100 | |
Having children | Yes | 0 | – |
No | 370 | 100 | |
Nationality | Republic of Türkiye | 358 | 96.8 |
Republic of Cyprus | 12 | 3.2 | |
Educational background | Undergraduate | 363 | 98.1 |
Postgraduate | 7 | 1.9 | |
University of Study | ASBU(Ankara Social Sciences University) | 137 | 37.0 |
EU(Eurasia University) | 6 | 1.6 | |
EMU(Eastern Mediterranean University) | 11 | 3.0 | |
GAU(Girne American University) | 10 | 2.7 | |
KTU(Karadeniz Technical University) | 3 | 0.8 | |
EUL(European University of Lefke) | 172 | 46.5 | |
CIU(Cyprus International University) | 17 | 4.6 | |
NEU(Near East University) | 14 | 3.8 | |
Class | 1. Class | 121 | 32.7 |
2. Class | 99 | 26.8 | |
3. Class | 95 | 25.7 | |
4. Class | 55 | 14.9 | |
Department | Psychology | 311 | 84.1 |
Psychological Counseling and Guidance | 21 | 5.7 | |
English Language Teaching | 5 | 1.4 | |
Turkish Language Teaching | 8 | 2.2 | |
Special Education teaching | 18 | 4.9 | |
Clinical Psychology (Master's Degree) | 7 | 1.9 | |
Socio-economic level | Good | 145 | 39.2 |
Average | 209 | 56.5 | |
Bad | 16 | 4.3 | |
Status of Employment | Unemployed | 230 | 62.2 |
Part-time | 110 | 29.7 | |
Full-time | 30 | 8.1 | |
Status of Accomodation | Family House | 28 | 7.6 |
State dormitory | 114 | 30.8 | |
Public dormitory | 65 | 17.6 | |
Rented House | 147 | 39.7 | |
Other | 16 | 4.3 | |
Total | 370 | 100 |
Data Collection Tools
The "Acceptance and Action Form-2," "Fear of Happiness Scale," "Life Satisfaction Scale," and "Personal Information Form" were employed in this investigation. Below is more specific information about these instruments.
Acceptance and Action Form-2
AAF-2; is a tool that permit individuals to determine their stage of psychological flexibility. This instrument was designed to allow individuals self assessments using 7-point Likert-type scale. According to this scale, number 1 represents “never feels that”, up to number 7 which stands for “always that”. The tool comprise of seven items (Bond et al., 2011). Türkiye version of acceptance and action form-2 was adopted with the aid of validity and reliability analyses (Yavus et al., 2016). A total of 474 individuals were employed in this research, both clinical and non clinical. Internal cosnsistency coefficient was carried out in reliability analyses. Meanwhile, factor analysis together with validity tests, and several testing procedures were employed for validity assessments. Interestingly, Cronbach’s alpha value showed an internal consistency coefficient of .84. The test-retest reliability analyses yielded a Pearson Correlation Coefficient of .85. In the original measure, the range for Cronbach's alpha value was .78 to .88. Findings indicate this measurement tool is valid and reliable for measuring psychological flexibility. In this study, Cronbach's alpha value was calculated as .80.
Fear of Happiness Scale
In the research, the "Fear of Happiness Scale," which was created by Joshanloo (2013) and adapted into Turkish by Demirci et al. (2016), was used as a measurement tool for fear of happiness. This scale has a unidimensional structure composed of 5 items, and it can yield total scores that range from 5 to 35. There are no reverse items on the scale, and it is a 7-point Likert-type Scale from 'Strongly Disagree' to 'Strongly Agree'. Confirmation factor analyses to assess the fit of the scale's unidimensional model suggest that the obtained fit indices were at an acceptable level. A value ranging from .71 to .92 was found as the item facto loadings, while the internal consistency reliability coefficient was .90, with the test-retest reliability coefficient of .78. Furthermore, the item-total correlation coefficient fall between .65 to .83. Therefore, Turkish type of Cherobia Scale is concluded to be dependable and valid measurement tool, and can be applied in similar studies taking place in Türkiye. The internal reliability of the scale was determined by Cronbach’s alpha and obtained as .90 in this study.
Life Satisfaction Scale
“Life Satisfaction scale” was produced by Diener et al. (1985). It is made up of one dimension consisiting of five elements in it. Initially, the scale had a 7-point Likert-type arrangement which was later changed in Turkish by Köker (1991). It was tested and verified in many investigations (Dağlı & Baysal, 2016). In the current study, the five-item Life Satisfaction Scale designed by Dağlı and Baysal (2016) for use with Turkish peoples will be employed. The scale uses a 5-point Likert-type arrangement, and ordered the item as (1) indicates “Strongly disagree” to (5) indicating “Strongly agreed”. In the event of the analysis performed as part of the validity and reliability studies of the scale, the internal consistency reliability was evaluated as Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of .88. Chi-square/df = 2.13, RMSEA = .056, CFI = .99, GFI = .99 are the model fit indices obtained in the confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), carried out to determine validity. Hence showing a perfect model fit for the one dimensional structure of the scale. These findings propose that one dimensional structure of the scale display a good level of model fit. The results obtained in this research corroborates the proposition of Dağlı and Baysal (2016), that Life Satisfaction Scale is valid and dependable measurement tool for determining life satisfaction. The measurement tool utilized in the research was assessed via the Cronbach's alpha coefficient, which was found to be .82.
Personal Information Form
A ‘Personal Information Form’ has been prepared to obtain data on the demographic profiles of research participans, which includes information on participants' gender, age, marital status, whether they have children, their level of education, the university and department, and their socio-economic status. Participants' first and last names are not requested on this form. Furthermore, the confidentiality of personal data will be protected.
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Participants have been provided with written information stating that participation in the study is entirely voluntary and that they may withdraw from the study at any time without providing a reason; their informed consent has been obtained.Methodology
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The necessary ethical approval for the research was obtained from the Scientific Research and Publication Ethics Committee of the European University of Lefke (March 28, 2025, BAYEK053.16). The study was conducted within the framework of the cross-sectional-correlational screening model, a quantitative research method. In cross-sectional studies, events, situations, or individuals are examined over a specific period of time, and the event, situation, and outcomes are evaluated simultaneously (Çaparlar & Dönmez, 2016); whereas, in the relational screening model, the aim is to determine the simultaneous change between variables and the nature of this change (Karasar, 2016). Therefore, the relational screening model was deemed appropriate for examining the relationships between psychological flexibility, fear of happiness, and life satisfaction. The objective of the study was to examine the relationships between psychological flexibility and fear of happiness in young adults and to test the mediating role of life satisfaction in this relationship. In this context, the role of life satisfaction in the relationship between psychological flexibility and fear of happiness was examined using mediation analysis (Baron & Kenny, 1986; Hayes, 2018).A
The participants were young adults aged between 19 and 26 enrolled at several universities in Türkiye and Cyprus. This age range is a suitable target population for surveying research variables due to this developmental stage setting conditions for important developmental tasks such as identity development, determining life course goals, and establishing independent lifestyle (Arnett, 2000). Participants from different departments and class years were included in the sample to increase sample variability, and the researcher aimed to obtain at least 250 participants to achieve sufficient statistical reliability (Wolf et al., 2013). The researcher employed a purposive sampling process; participants were sampled from the individuals who had control and knowledge directly related the inquiry or research to the topic and criterion participants (Yıldırım & Şimşek, 2016). The inclusion criteria for participating in this study were participants, must 1) have a minimum of a bachelor's degree, 2) be in their 19-26-year old age range, 3) be single, and 4) not have children. Data was collected through an online survey form on a voluntary basis, and the research link was distributed to participants via social media and university communities. It took an average of 20–25 minutes to complete the entire survey.Data Analysis
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The data obtained in the study were analysed using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Science) 27. Before analysis, the data were examined for missing values, outliers, and the study's inclusion/exclusion criteria; unsuitable data were excluded, and the final analyses were conducted on 370 participants. The socio-demographic characteristics of the participants are presented in tables with descriptive statistics. The normality of the variables was assessed through histogram graphs and kurtosis and skewness values, and the analyses were performed using parametric tests because the variables showed a normal distribution. To be able to find answers to the first three questions of the study, the relationships between the variables of psychological resilience, fear of happiness, and life satisfaction were examined using Pearson Correlation Analysis (Field, 2013). In response to the fourth question, Simple Regression Analysis was applied to determine the extent to which psychological flexibility predicts fear of happiness (Tabachnick & Fidell, 2019). Regarding the fifth question, Hayes (2022) used the PROCESS Macro Model 4 to test the mediating role of life satisfaction in the relationship between psychological flexibility and fear of happiness. This investigation assessed the indirect relationships between the mediating variable (life satisfaction), the dependent variable (fear of happiness), and the independent variable (psychological resilience). In the entire assessments, the significance of the indirect impact was examined by “bootstrap confidence intervals”, and the dependability of the mediation connections was guaranteed (Hayes, 2018). This approach has ensure the possibility of producing methodical and trustworthy responses to research inquiries.Findings
In the current study, the level of psychological flexibility was determined by adding up outcomes of the life satisfaction and cheropobia scales. Based on the scoring system of the psychological flexibility scale, greater total scores reflect greater psychological inflexibility (Bond et al., 2011). As a result, the concept of "psychological rigidity" was used instead of "psychological flexibility" in order to make the interpretations more accurate and understandable during the analysis process. Higher scores represent a higher level of psychological rigidity. Descriptive statistics were initially analyzed for the study group's overall scores on psychological rigidity, fear of happiness, and life satisfaction. The skewness and kurtosis values for the variables being within the range of ± 1.5 proved that the assumption of normality was met; examination of the histogram and normal Q-Q plots determined that the data showed a normal distribution. Therefore, parametric statistical methods were used in data analysis.
The relationships between variables were evaluated using Pearson Correlation Analysis as part of the first three hypotheses of the study. The findings of the analysis show that psychological rigidity and fear of happiness are positively and significantly correlated (r = .545, p < .001). This finding suggests that individuals with increased psychological rigidity have a higher tendency to avoid experiencing happiness. A negative and significant relationship was found between psychological rigidity and life satisfaction (r = − .273, p < .001). As a result, individuals who are psychologically more rigid have lower levels of life satisfaction. Additionally, a low but significant correlation was found between life satisfaction and fear of happiness (r = − .198, p < .001). In this regard, it can be said that the first three hypotheses of the study were supported. The results of the correlation analysis are presented in Table 2.
N = 370 | 1 | 2 | 3 | M SS |
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1.Acceptace and Action Form-2 (Total Score) | 1 | .545*** | − .273*** | 3.17 1.14 |
2.Fear of Happiness Scale (Total Score) | .545*** | 1 | − .198*** | 2.86 1.59 |
3.Life Satisfaction Scale (Total Score) | − .273*** | − .198*** | 1 | 2.99 .77 |
| Note: *p < .05, **p < .01, ***p < .001 | ||||
Within the scope of the fourth hypothesis of the study, the predictive power of psychological flexibility (high scores on the scale are interpreted as psychological rigidity) on fear of happiness was tested using Simple Linear Regression Analysis. The analysis showed that the regression model was significant, F(1, 368) = 155.895, p < .001. The model's coefficient of determination (R²) is .298, indicating that approximately 29% of the variance in fear of happiness is explained by psychological rigidity. Additionally, it was determined that psychological rigidity positively and significantly predicted fear of happiness (β = .545, t(368) = 12.486, p < .001). According to this finding, it can be said that as psychological rigidity increases, avoidance behaviours towards happiness are also substantially rising (See Table 3).
N = 370 | B | SE | β | t p R R² |
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Stable | .458 | .205 | - | 2.235 .026* - - |
Psychological Rigidity | .759 | .061 | .545 | 12.486 <.001*** .545 .298 |
| Note: *p < .05, **p < .01, ***p < .001 | ||||
Within the scope of the fifth hypothesis of the study, the mediating role of life satisfaction in the relationship between psychological flexibility and fear of happiness was tested. To test this hypothesis, the Process (PROCESS) Macro developed by Hayes (2022) was used and the Model 4 structure was used. Accordingly, the total score of psychological flexibility was included in the analysis as the independent variable (X), the total score of fear of happiness as the dependent variable (Y), and the total score of life satisfaction as the mediator variable (M). Before proceeding with the mediation analysis, the necessary assumptions were evaluated. These assumptions are: (a) a meaningful relationship between the independent variable and the dependent variable, (b) a meaningful relationship between the independent variable and the mediating variable, and (c) a meaningful relationship between the mediating variable and the dependent variable (Preacher & Hayes, 2008). As a consequence of the Pearson Correlation Analysis, powerful connections were found between all variables, indicating that the necessary conditions for testing the mediation model were met. The mediation effect is assessed in two different ways in the literature. According to Baron & Kenny (1986), if the effect of the independent variable on the dependent variable disappears completely when the mediating variable is included in the model, it is considered full mediation; if this effect decreases but remains significant, it is considered partial mediation. In addition to this approach, Hayes (2022) states that using the bootstrap method with confidence intervals provides stronger evidence in assessing the mediating effect. Therefore, in the present study, the significance of the indirect effect was tested using 5000 bootstrap samples and a 95% confidence interval. Mediating analyses were conducted after all assumptions were met.
Within the scope of the fifth hypothesis, the mediating role of life satisfaction in the relationship between psychological rigidity and fear of happiness was tested. Model 4 of the PROCESS Macro developed by Hayes (2022) was applied within this framework; HC3 correction was used in the analysis to address heteroscedasticity inconsistency, the bootstrap sample size was set at 5000, and confidence intervals were assessed at the 95% level.
The analysis indicates that psychological rigidity gets a significant negative prediction of life satisfaction (β = − .273, t(368) = -4.071, p < .001). This result reveals that those with high levels of psychological rigidity are related to lower life satisfaction. The effect of life satisfaction on the fear of happiness was also insignificant (β = − .053, t(367) = -1.142, p = .254).Thus, life satisfaction does not have a significant effect on fear of happiness. The direct effect of psychological rigidity on fear of happiness was found to be strong and meaningful (β = .531, t(367) = 11.141, p < .001). This suggests that individuals with high psychological rigidity tend to avoid feeling happy and perceive happiness as threatening. Furthermore, the total effect results also support the direct effect (β = .546, t(368) = 11.576, p < .001). The indirect effect (path a*b) assessed using the bootstrap method was not found to be meaningful (B = 0.020, BootSE = 0.020, 95% CI [-0.013, 0.067]). Due to the confidence interval including zero, it was determined that life satisfaction does not play a mediating role in the relationship between psychological rigidity and fear of happiness (see Table 4).
Impact | B | SE | β | t p 95% GA (LLCI-ULCI) |
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a way (X →M) | -0.184 | 0.045 | -0.273 | -4.071 < .001 [-0.273, -0.095] |
b way (M→Y) c way (X→Y) (Total impact) c′ way (X→Y) (Direct impact) | -0.110 0.759 0.739 | 0.097 0.066 0.066 | -0.053 0.546 0.531 | -1.142 .254 [-0.300, 0.080] 11.576 < .001 [0.630, 0.888] 11.141 < .001 [0.609, 0.869] |
a×b (X→M→Y) (Indirect impact) | 0.020 | 0.020 | 0.015 | - - [-0.013, 0.067] |
| Note: *p < .05, **p < .01, ***p < .001. | ||||
SE = Standard error; LLCI = Lower confidence interval; ULCI = Upper confidence interval; p < .001; ns = not significant.
Figure 1 illustrates the mediating role of life satisfaction in the effect of psychological rigidity on fear of happiness, depicted through a path diagram. The model shows that psychological rigidity significantly and negatively predicts life satisfaction (a = − .273, p < .001), but that life satisfaction does not have a statistically meaningful effect on fear of happiness (b = − .053, p > .05). In contrast, the direct effect of psychological rigidity on fear of happiness was found to be meaningful (c′ = .531, p < .001). Therefore, life satisfaction does not function as a meaningful mediating variable in this relationship; psychological rigidity emerges as the primary variable that directly and positively predicts fear of happiness.
c’= 0.531***
Figure 1 Path diagram between psychological rigidity, life satisfaction and fear of happiness.
Note
*p < .05, **p < .01, ***p < .001, ns = not significant.
Direkt impact (c’): B = .739, SE = .066, p < .001, 95% GA [.609, .869]; β = .531
Total impact (c): B = .759, SE = .066, p < .001, 95% GA [.630, .888]; β = .546
Indirect impact (a×b): B = .020, Boot 95% GA [-.013, .067] (ns)
Discussion
This study examined the relationships between psychological flexibility, fear of happiness, and life satisfaction among young adults. Additionally, the mediating role of life satisfaction in the relationship between psychological flexibility and fear of happiness was tested. The obtained findings indicate that psychological rigidity is strongly and positively related to fear of happiness (r = .545) and significantly predicts fear of happiness (β = .545; R² = .298). The relationship between psychological rigidity and life satisfaction was found to be negatively and significantly related (r = − .273), but the indirect impact was not significant because life satisfaction did not significantly predict fear of happiness (β = − .053, p = .254). This pattern is thought to be consistent with the theoretical framework of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). According to ACT, when experiential avoidance and cognitive defusion increase, individuals may interpret their internal experiences as threatening and may show a tendency to avoid both negative and positive emotions (Hayes et al., 2006; Bond et al., 2011). Furthermore, while the tendency to struggle with internal experiences increases in individuals with low psychological flexibility, emotional awareness, value-oriented behaviour, and life satisfaction also increase as flexibility rises (Kashdan & Rottenberg, 2010; Gloster et al., 2011; Tugade & Fredrickson, 2004). The high direct impact observed in this study (β = .531) suggests that rigidity leads individuals to appraise happiness as a "risky" emotion and, consequently, to avoid happiness-related experiences. This interpretation is consistent with findings showing that fear of happiness is associated with "expectations of negativity following happiness" and "not provoking happiness" beliefs (Joshanloo, 2024; Joshanloo & Weijers, 2014; Gilbert et al., 2014).
The lack of support for the mediating role of life satisfaction is addressed with two possible considerations. The first of these is that life satisfaction is a general cognitive assessment (Diener et al., 1985) and may not adequately reflect the processes directly related to threat schemas for positive emotions. In contrast, it is thought that process variables such as experiential avoidance, cognitive defusion, or beliefs about avoiding positive emotion may play more effective mediating roles in the relationship between psychological flexibility and fear of happiness (Ciarrochi et al., 2010; Ong et al., 2006). The other idea is that it relates to the characteristics of the sample. Since the sample largely consisted of psychology undergraduate students (age range 19–26), the limited sociodemographic variance may have reduced the variability in life satisfaction scores. In addition, it has been previously emphasised that the cultural context reinforces cautious attitudes towards happiness, and this can increase cognitive biases such as the "fear of ruining good things" (Joshanloo, 2013; Joshanloo et al., 2014). Based on the aforementioned view, it is believed that stressors specific to university life (e.g., pressure to succeed, economic anxiety) strengthen psychological rigidity and increase avoidance-based responses.
These outcomes indicate that psychological rigidity is a fundamental risk factor for fear of happiness among young adults, yet this effect cannot be explained through life satisfaction. Findings from the study suggest that process-based interventions aimed at enhancing psychological flexibility may prove more effective. In particular, ACT-based group work, value clarification, emotional openness, and cognitive defusion practices may be more effective in reducing fear of happiness (Köksal & Topkaya, 2025; Yavuz et al., 2016; Hayes et al., 2006). Likewise, Yıldırım’s (2019) findings confirmed that psychological resilience is essential in mediating the relationship between life satisfaction and fear of happiness. This situation demonstrates that increasing an individual's psychological flexibility is important in transforming both emotional well-being and negative beliefs about happiness. Moreover, it has been noted that psychological flexibility profiles vary according to individual differences and are closely related to life satisfaction (Tyndall et al., 2018).
The study is subject to certain limitations. The cross-sectional approach prevents drawing causal inferences. In addition, the fact that the sample consisted largely of women and psychology students limits generalizability. However, the adequate sample size (n = 370), the reliability of the measurements used and the high statistical power are among the strengths of the study.
Results and Recommendations
The study's findings proved that psychological flexibility is a strong predictor of happiness fear in young adults, and that as flexibility increases (i.e., as psychological rigidity emerges), individuals' tendency to perceive happiness as a threat and avoid positive emotions significantly rises. The negative relationship between psychological rigidity and life satisfaction suggests that the effort to control internal experiences diminishes the satisfaction an individual derives from their life. However, the fact that life satisfaction does not mediate the relationship between psychological rigidity and fear of happiness suggests that more direct and process-based psychological mechanisms (such as experiential avoidance and beliefs about avoiding positive emotions) may be determinant in this relationship. In this regard, it is recommended to implement ACT-based psycho-education and group interventions in university psychological counselling centres to promote psychological flexibility, avoid rigidity, and transform dysfunctional beliefs about happiness; and to popularise mindfulness, gratitude, and self- compassion-based practices that enable young adults to develop healthy contact with positive emotions. In future research, the preference for longitudinal and experimental designs with more diverse sample structures covering different age groups and clinical samples, as well as examining the mediating or moderating roles of variables such as emotion regulation and cognitive diffusion, will make significant contributions to a more comprehensive understanding of the psychological flexibility-fear of happiness relationship. Overall, the results indicate that psychological resilience is an essential and developable target for enhancing the psychological well-being of young adults and reducing the fear of happiness.
Declarations
This study is derived from the doctoral dissertation titled “The effect of acceptance and commitment therapy-oriented group counseling on psychological flexibility and fear of happiness in young adults”, completed in 2025 by the first author under the supervision of the second author.
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Author Contribution
Authors’ Contribution Statement: All authors contributed equally to this study.
Conflict of Interest:
The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.
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Funding Statement:
The authors declare that they received no financial support for this study.
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Ethical Approval: The study was approved by the Scientific Research and Publication Ethics Committee of the European University of Lefke (Approval No: 28.03.2025, BAYEK053.16).A
Consent to Participate: Informed consent was obtained from all participants included in the study.A
Data Availability
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