What is happiness?

Happiness is a complex and multifaceted concept that has been explored in various fields, including psychology, philosophy, and everyday life. Here are some key aspects of happiness:

Definition

Happiness is often described as an emotional state characterized by feelings of joy, satisfaction, contentment, and fulfillment. It encompasses a range of positive emotions, from contentment to intense joy34.

Types of Happiness

• Momentary Happiness: This refers to the immediate experience of positive emotions in response to specific events or situations23.
• Long-term Happiness: This involves a broader evaluation of one's life and overall satisfaction with it. It includes a cognitive component where individuals positively appraise their life conditions and events24.

Subjective Well-being

Happiness is closely linked to the concept of subjective well-being (SWB), which includes measures of current emotional experience, life satisfaction, and a sense of meaning and purpose. SWB is often assessed through evaluations of how satisfied people feel with their lives, the balance of positive and negative emotions they experience, and their sense of meaning and purpose24.

Functions and Outcomes

According to Barbara Fredrickson's theory, positive emotions such as happiness serve to broaden one’s thinking and build resources. This leads to creative thinking, new social relationships, and new skills, ultimately contributing to positive outcomes in life2.

Cultural and Social Influences

Happiness can be perceived and experienced differently across cultures. For example, collectivist cultures may emphasize harmony and contentment, while individualistic cultures may focus on feelings of exuberance and joy4.

Philosophical Perspectives

• Aristotle's Eudaimonia: Aristotle described happiness as "eudaimonia," which translates to human flourishing or living a good life. For him, happiness is not just an emotion but an activity of living a life of excellent rational activity and moral virtue3.
• Meaning and Purpose: Psychologists like Robert Emmons and Viktor Frankl emphasize the importance of meaning and purpose in achieving happiness. Pursuing meaningful goals and activities, and finding meaning in life's experiences, are key to long-term happiness3.

Personal and Life Stage Perspectives

People's views on what brings happiness can change throughout their lives. For instance, younger adults may focus on friends, objects, and money, while older adults tend to focus more on personal peace and lasting relationships3.

In summary, happiness is a multifaceted state that includes immediate positive emotions, long-term life satisfaction, and a sense of meaning and purpose, influenced by both personal and cultural factors.