Essentializing happiness reduces one's motivation to be happier

Objective: The present study examined the essentialist lay theories of happiness (i.e., beliefs that happiness is determined by one's genes and hence, immutable) and its implications for motivation to enhance one's happiness level.

Method: Study 1 (N = 454) developed a scale called the "Essentialist Beliefs about Happiness (EBH)" and Study 2 (N = 207) validated the scale by comprehensively examining conceptually overlapping constructs related to the EBH. In Study 3 (N = 401) and Study 4 (N = 452), by utilizing correlational and experimental methods, we tested the effect of the EBH on motivation to enhance happiness.

Results: Using the scale developed and validated in Study 1 and Study 2, Study 3 and Study 4 found that the essentialist beliefs about happiness predicted reduced motivation to be happier. Specifically, participants with greater essentialist beliefs about happiness were less likely to engage in happiness-boosting activities. Specifically, those who believed that happiness is influenced by one's attitude and effort had greater intention to engage in happiness-boosting activities.

Conclusions: The present results provide new insight into the role of individual differences in essentialist lay theories of happiness in motivational state in well-being domain.