Emotion, Vol 26(5), Aug 2026, 1047-1057; doi:10.1037/emo0001655
Are you willing to trade some present happiness for a better future? This study examined cross-country variation in delaying happiness—the belief that sacrificing current joy is worthwhile for long-term happiness. Using nationally representative data from 22 countries (N > 200,000), Study 1 showed that people in countries with high relational mobility (e.g., North and Latin America) were more likely to delay happiness than those in countries with lower mobility (e.g., East Asia). Other national-level variables such as national wealth, income inequality, and individualism–collectivism did not account for this difference. Study 2 replicated the link between relational mobility and delaying happiness in two countries (N = 785) and further tested the mediating roles of sense of control and optimism. We also showed that delaying happiness is associated with different domains of well-being, including happiness/satisfaction, meaning/purpose, and balance/harmony, at both the individual and country levels. These findings suggest that social ecologies that afford greater relational freedom may foster a sense of control over one’s current situation and an optimistic view of the future, which in turn encourages the pursuit of long-term happiness. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved)