I think there is a simpler explanation. Conservatives are more traditionally the rugged, independent individuals that our founders aspired all Americans to be. That character trait tends to create ambition and achievement. Folks that work hard and earn their way tend to be more confident, more charitable and happier in general. They have a sense of control in their own destiny. They do not fear the future, they aim to control it.
The average conservative psychological disposition is EXACTLY what liberals would like for ALL people to have, while being equally “poorer” as everyone else regardless of their contribution or sacrifice. This is their Utopia for the world. They want everyone to be “happy” with individual misery because it is all “equal” and “fair.”
The real problem is with the oxymoron that is, “happy with the equality of misery,” like in North Korea.
True, in contrast to claiming victim status and being owed benefits otherwise eared by merit. But that is not the psychological disposition that liberals would like for people to have, since they inculcate this in order to gain themselves and audience and power, as the devil did with Eve.