Examining the Eudaimonic Well-Being, Fear of Happiness and Future Anxiety Levels of University Students

Abstract

This study explored the levels and relationships of eudaimonic well-being, fear of happiness, and future anxiety among university students. Conducted within a descriptive and correlational survey framework, the research involved 409 undergraduate students (204 females and 205 males; mean age = 20.92 ± 3.62) from sports science faculties at various Turkish universities, selected through convenience sampling. Data were gathered online using Google Forms, including a personal information form, the Eudaimonic Well-being Scale, the Fear of Happiness Scale, and the Future Anxiety Scale. Analysis included independent samples t-test, one-way ANOVA, Pearson correlation, and simple linear regression. Female students scored significantly higher than males on the Future Fear sub-dimension and total future anxiety score. A significant difference in Purpose in Life was found across departments. A moderate negative correlation was observed between eudaimonic well-being and fear of happiness (r = −.347, p < .01), while fear of happiness positively correlated with future anxiety (r = .340, p < .01). Regression analysis indicated that fear of happiness significantly predicted eudaimonic well-being, accounting for about 12% of its variance [β = −.347, p < .001; Adjusted R² = .118; F(1, 407) = 55.689, p < .001]. These results suggest that fear of happiness is significantly associated with lower eudaimonic well-being in students of sports sciences.