Cross-Cultural Insights into Happiness and Human Flourishing: The Role of Positive Traits and Mindfulness Among African and Indian Students in Punjab

Background: International students often encounter distinct psychological and cultural challenges that affect their well-being and adjustment. While positive psychology emphasizes the role of mindfulness and character strengths in enhancing happiness and flourishing, comparative research on these variables among African and Indian (non-Punjabi) university students in India remains limited. Methods: This cross-sectional comparative study involved 400 university students (200 African and 200 Indian non-Punjabi) from five major universities in Punjab, India. Participants completed standardized instruments, including the Positive Personality Trait Questionnaire, Mindful Attention Awareness Scale, Subjective Happiness Scale, Flourishing Measure, and Brief COPE Scale. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent samples t-tests, Pearson’s correlation, multiple regression, and MANOVA to assess group differences and the predictive roles of mindfulness and character strengths on happiness and flourishing. Results: Significant differences emerged between African and Indian students in happiness (African: M = 4.2, SD = 0.6; Indian: M = 3.8, SD = 0.7; t(398) = 5.12, p < 0.001) and flourishing (African: M = 5.1, SD = 0.9; Indian: M = 4.5, SD = 1.0; t(398) = 4.89, p < 0.001). Positive character traits and mindfulness significantly predicted both happiness (R² = 0.58, p < 0.001) and flourishing (R² = 0.64, p < 0.001) in both groups. MANOVA revealed significant cultural differences across the combined dependent variables (Wilks’ λ = 0.82, F(4, 395) = 8.67, p < 0.001). African students reported greater use of problem-focused coping strategies, whereas Indian students relied more on emotion-focused coping. Conclusion: These findings underscore the need for culturally responsive interventions that cultivate mindfulness and character strengths to support student well-being. Universities should integrate positive psychology-based practices and targeted support systems to meet the diverse psychological needs of both international and domestic student populations in India.