Understanding Happiness: Definition, Psychological Insights, and Measurement
5 minute read
Happiness is a complex and multifaceted concept that psychologists define in different ways, from hedonic pleasure to eudaimonic well-being. Experts like Martin Seligman, Daniel Kahneman, and Sonja Lyubomirsky have explored various factors that contribute to happiness, including purpose, engagement, and social connections. Measurement tools such as the Subjective Well-Being Scale, the PERMA Profiler, and the Oxford Happiness Questionnaire provide insight into your level of happiness. By understanding these perspectives and tools, you can take actionable steps toward improving your well-being and achieving a more fulfilling life.
What Is Happiness? A Psychological Perspective on Defining and Measuring It
Happiness is a fundamental human pursuit, yet its definition and measurement have been debated by philosophers, psychologists, and researchers for centuries. Is happiness simply a fleeting emotion, or is it a deeper, more sustainable state of well-being? This article explores how you can define happiness, what leading psychologists and therapists say about it, and how you can measure and improve it.
Defining Happiness
Happiness is broadly considered a state of well-being that encompasses positive emotions, life satisfaction, and a sense of meaning or purpose. However, different fields define it in various ways:
Hedonic Happiness: Rooted in the pleasure-pain principle, this perspective defines happiness as the presence of pleasure and the absence of pain (Diener, 1984). This approach is often associated with momentary joys and short-term satisfaction.
Eudaimonic Happiness: Proposed by Aristotle and later expanded by psychologists such as Carol Ryff (1989), eudaimonic happiness focuses on self-actualization, personal growth, and fulfilling your potential rather than just pleasure.
Subjective Well-Being (SWB): Prominent psychologist Ed Diener (2000) defines happiness as subjective well-being, which includes life satisfaction, positive affect (pleasant emotions), and low negative affect (unpleasant emotions).
Psychological Well-Being (PWB): Ryff (1989) developed a multidimensional model that includes self-acceptance, positive relationships, autonomy, environmental mastery, purpose in life, and personal growth.
What Famous Psychologists and Therapists Say About Happiness
Martin Seligman (1998) – PERMA Model Seligman, the founder of positive psychology, defines happiness within the PERMA model:
Positive emotions
Engagement (flow)
Relationships (social connections)
Meaning (sense of purpose)
Achievement (accomplishments) According to Seligman, sustainable happiness comes from a balance of these five elements rather than just seeking pleasure.
Daniel Kahneman – The Two Selves of Happiness Nobel laureate Daniel Kahneman differentiates between the experiencing self (how happy you feel in the moment) and the remembering self (how happy you think you were). His research suggests that your perception of happiness is often shaped by memories rather than real-time experiences.
Sonja Lyubomirsky – The Happiness Set Point Lyubomirsky (2007) suggests that happiness is 50% genetic, 10% based on circumstances, and 40% influenced by intentional activities such as gratitude, social connections, and mindfulness.
Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi – Flow and Happiness Csikszentmihalyi’s (1990) concept of flow describes happiness as deep immersion in activities where challenge and skill are balanced. Flow states lead to greater fulfillment and long-term well-being.
Abraham Maslow – Self-Actualization Maslow’s hierarchy of needs suggests that true happiness is achieved through self-actualization, where you reach your full potential, driven by creativity, purpose, and intrinsic motivation.
How to Measure Happiness
Happiness is subjective, but psychologists have developed various tools to assess and measure it:
1. Subjective Well-Being (SWB) Scales
Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) (Diener et al., 1985): Measures overall life satisfaction.
Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) (Watson et al., 1988): Assesses emotions over a given period.
2. Psychological Well-Being (PWB) Scale
Developed by Ryff (1989), this scale evaluates six dimensions: autonomy, environmental mastery, personal growth, positive relationships, purpose in life, and self-acceptance.
3. Oxford Happiness Questionnaire
Developed by Argyle & Hills (2002), it measures both hedonic and eudaimonic happiness.
4. Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index
A large-scale survey measuring happiness and well-being across populations, including financial security, social relationships, and purpose.
5. The PERMA Profiler
Based on Seligman’s PERMA model, this tool assesses positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning, and accomplishment.
Conclusion
Happiness is a complex, multi-dimensional concept that varies across individuals and cultures. While some define it in terms of pleasure and life satisfaction, others see it as personal growth and meaning. Influential psychologists such as Seligman, Kahneman, and Lyubomirsky have contributed valuable insights into understanding and measuring happiness.
To improve your happiness, consider incorporating scientifically backed strategies into your daily life. Keep a gratitude journal, engage in activities that bring you into a state of flow, and invest in relationships that make you feel valued and connected. Regularly assessing your happiness using tools like the Satisfaction with Life Scale or PERMA Profiler can also help track your progress. Ultimately, happiness is a balance of emotions, purpose, relationships, and fulfillment—something you can actively cultivate for a richer, more meaningful life.