Date of Publication

10-15-2024

Document Type

Master's Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Psychology Major in Clinical Psychology

Subject Categories

Clinical Psychology

College

College of Liberal Arts

Department/Unit

Psychology

Abstract/Summary

Maximizing decision strategy, characterized by the tendency to seek the best possible option rather than settle for satisfactory choices, was predominantly associated with negative outcomes such as lower happiness levels. However, recent research suggests that maximization can yield positive outcomes, particularly when paired with specific psychological traits such as optimism, defined as a positive outlook toward the future. While some studies have focused on particular dimensions of maximization, this study examines maximization as a general tendency, rather than focusing on its specific dimensions, to explore its overall relationship with happiness and the moderating role of optimism. This study strives to address the gap by directly analyzing the influence of maximization on happiness, with a focus on optimism as a potential moderator.

A sample of 425 young adults was analyzed using hierarchical regression. Results revealed that maximization positively correlates with happiness (R² = 0.037, F(1, 423) = 16.08, p < 0.001), while optimism, although positively correlated with happiness, did not significantly moderate the relationship between maximization and happiness (R² = 0.0381, p = 0.422). These findings challenge the predominant negative portrayal of maximizers and contribute to the limited research on “happy maximizers,” suggesting that maximization can improve well-being even without optimism serving as a moderating factor.

Abstract Format

html

Language

English

Format

Electronic

Keywords

Decision-making; Happiness; Optimism—Psychological aspects

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Embargo Period

10-17-2025

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Available for download on Friday, October 17, 2025

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