Background: Globalization has led to cultural changes and influenced individuals’ thoughts and behaviors. Traditional values in Asian cultures have been challenged and transformed to better fit modern society. Given the rapid social changes, it is argued that while promoting well-being is important across all time periods, the ways in which individuals pursue well-being may change over time.

Aims: This study aimed to examine changes in the primary goals of parenting and the pursuit of well-being over time in Taiwanese society.

Method: The data were drawn from the Taiwan Society Change Survey (TSCS), a nationally representative survey that captured social changes in Taiwan over four waves between 2005 and 2020. The sample included 7,390 adults aged 18 and over (M = 46.29, SD = 16.82).

Results: The results showed that the primary purpose of parenting has changed over time, with a higher proportion of respondents choosing to "rear an independent person" and a lower proportion choosing to "rear a hard-working person." Furthermore, a multiple mediation analysis revealed that the association between the time period (year) and well-being was mediated by effort beliefs and the fulfillment of three basic psychological needs (autonomy, relatedness, competence), regardless of age. Specifically, earlier Taiwanese societies endorsed effort beliefs more and perceived more relatedness, which in turn contributed to better well-being. However, as time progressed, need satisfaction for autonomy and competence improved, resulting in better well-being.

Conclusion: As Taiwanese society changes, individuals gain well-being more by fulfilling their needs for autonomy and competence and less by endorsing effort beliefs and relatedness. The findings suggest that societal changes have a significant impact on how individuals pursue well-being.