From Self-Centered to Selfless Happiness: The Mandala Model of Self Beyond WEIRD Contexts

This systematic review examines how the transformation of self-centered desires into selfless motivations contributes to human happiness through the Mandala Model of Self (MMS). Following PRISMA guidelines, 19 empirical studies published between 2020 and 2025 were analyzed to explore the roles of selflessness, prosocial engagement, and mindfulness in fostering happiness, conceptualized as a multidimensional construct encompassing hedonic pleasure, eudaimonic well-being, inner harmony, and life satisfaction. The MMS, rooted in Eastern philosophical traditions, offers a holistic framework in which the self is understood through four interconnected dimensions: person, individual, knowledge/wisdom, and action/praxis. Although the MMS originates from non-WEIRD traditions, most studies were conducted in WEIRD or East Asian contexts; therefore, findings are interpreted as theoretically informed rather than universally generalizable. Results indicate that selfless orientations and prosocial behaviors are associated with higher and more sustainable well-being, with mindfulness and inner harmony functioning as key mediating mechanisms. Mindfulness-based and adolescent-focused interventions were linked to improvements in emotional regulation, compassion, life satisfaction, and prosocial motivation, even under conditions of social uncertainty. Overall, the review highlights the value of integrating culturally grounded frameworks in understanding human happiness and psychological well-being.