Socioemotional competencies and happiness: the moderation of mindfulness and social media engagement for emerging adults

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between socioemotional competencies (SECs) and happiness and to test the moderating effects of mindfulness, social media engagement (SME), and cultural orientation. A total of 224 participants (Mage = 23.29, SD = 6.01; 69% women) from Nepal (n = 70) and the United States (n = 154) completed an online survey. This study utilized the SEC and mindfulness scales, as well as the Subjective Happiness Scale, and employed hierarchical regression and moderation analyses. The results revealed that SECs and mindfulness were positively associated with happiness (SECs: B = 0.38, p < 0.001, R² = 0.15; mindfulness: B = 0.39, p < 0.001, R² = 0.31), while high SME was negatively associated with happiness. However, neither mindfulness (B = 0.17, p < 0.05, ΔR² = 0.02) nor SME (B = 0.03, p = 0.46, ΔR² = 0.02) moderated these relationships. The moderating effect of cultural orientation on the SECs–happiness relationship was statistically significant (B = 0.54, p < 0.05), suggesting that happiness is a subjective phenomenon influenced by cultural context. This study highlights the interconnections between SECs, mindfulness, SME, and happiness, with an emphasis on cultural variations. It suggests that integrating mindfulness and SECs while accounting for cultural differences can enhance happiness. These insights provide valuable guidance for promoting emotional regulation and mental health in a technology-driven society.