Defining Happiness

In essence, happiness is often understood as the positive emotions we experience while engaging in enjoyable activities in our daily lives. Feelings such as joy, comfort, gratitude, hope, and inspiration enhance our happiness and motivate us to thrive. In psychological literature, happiness is referred to as hedonia (Ryan and Deci, 2001), characterized by the presence of positive feelings alongside the absence of negative ones.

A broader understanding of human well-being encompasses both hedonic and eudaimonic principles. The research surrounding these concepts is extensive and relates to our personal meaning and purpose in life (Ryan and Deci, 2001).

Studies over the years have identified several correlational factors that influence our happiness, including (Ryan and Deci, 2001):

• Personality traits
• Positive vs. negative emotions
• Attitudes towards physical health
• Socioeconomic status
• Connection and relationships
• Goals and self-efficacy
• Contextual factors

An Overview of Happiness Research

What does the "science of happiness" entail? Essentially, it focuses on understanding what happiness truly is, how we can experience it, the behaviors of happy individuals, and how we might enhance our own sense of joy.

The focus on happiness is a relatively new development in psychology. Historically, since the field's inception in the late 19th century, the emphasis was primarily on pathology—focusing on the more unpleasant aspects of life. While some attention was given to well-being and success, the majority of research and funding concentrated on those grappling with severe mental illnesses or traumatic experiences.

Despite the importance of supporting those in distress, there has been a notable gap in knowledge regarding how to elevate overall functioning and happiness. Positive psychology has shifted this focus, allowing for an exploration of the positive aspects of life, including what thoughts, actions, and behaviors enhance our productivity, joy in relationships, and overall satisfaction at the end of the day (Happify Daily, n.d.).

Current Research and Findings

Recent studies have revealed valuable insights into what drives our happiness. For instance, research indicates that:

• Money can contribute to happiness up to around $75,000; beyond this threshold, its impact on emotional well-being diminishes (Kahneman and Deaton, 2010).
• A significant portion of our happiness is determined not just by genetics but also by our experiences and daily lives (Lyubomirsky et al., 2005).
• Actively pursuing happiness can sometimes backfire, leading to self-centeredness (Mauss et al., 2012).
• Seeking happiness through social interactions (e.g., spending time with loved ones) tends to be more effective than other methods (Rohrer et al., 2018).
• The pursuit of happiness might be better served by vague goals rather than specific ones (Rodas et al., 2018).
• Happiness enhances civic engagement, serving as a positive indicator of adult development (Tooth et al., 2018).
• Joy correlates with professional success, and even "artificially enhancing" positive emotions can lead to better workplace outcomes (Walsh et al., 2018).
• There is a direct relationship between religious involvement and happiness; greater participation in faith communities is associated with stronger commitments to faith and increased empathy (Krause et al., 2018). This empathy, in turn, fosters emotional support for others and contributes to personal happiness.

The first video, Positive Psychology: The Science of Happiness, explores the foundational elements of happiness and its impact on life satisfaction.

The second video, Positive Psychology: The Science of Happiness | Tal Ben-Shahar, features insights from a leading expert in the field, discussing practical applications of positive psychology principles.