Psychology of Happiness

Positive Psychology

Happiness might be the most sought-after accessory in life, yet it eludes

countless individuals. While many of us chase after the next big thing—a

promotion, a new gadget, or that perfect “happy place”—the real secret to joy

often lies in the little things we might overlook. Understanding the psychology

behind happiness is the key to achieving a balanced and enjoyable life. However,

this is a topic that is new to psychology research. Previous studies analyzed what

causes mental suffering, but current research focuses on the positives of the

mind and how it impacts people’s lives. So, let’s dive into the delightful world of

happiness psychology and discover how to sprinkle more joy into our everyday

lives!

People wish to flourish in life! But, after World War Two, the focus of

psychology research was to relieve psychological suffering caused by war and

trauma, but not on how to thrive. So, the psychology field has evolved, and today,

many studies promote mental well-being and thriving lifestyles. One of these

popular studies includes the PERMA theory, developed by psychologist Martin

Seligman. His research outlines five key elements that contribute to a fulfilling

and happy life:

● Positive Emotions: Experiencing joy, gratitude, and other uplifting feelings.

● Engagement: Being deeply involved in activities that fully capture your attention and

skills.

● Relationships: Building and maintaining solid and meaningful connections with others.

● Meaning: Finding purpose and significance in life beyond oneself.

● Accomplishment: Pursuing and achieving goals that provide a sense of achievement

and pride.

These elements create a balanced framework for enhancing overall well-being

and personal satisfaction. There are various strategies to improve each aspect,

so let’s explore what can be done to cultivate and strengthen them.

Positive emotion- This aspect of well-being is crucial, even though it can be

influenced by how much a person experiences positive emotions. However, it is

essential to cultivate positive feelings about the past, present, and future.

This can be accomplished through acts of gratitude and forgiveness, cherishing each

little moment and pleasure, and sharing hope and optimism for your future.

Engagement- This aspect is more goal-oriented. To enhance engagement,

leverage your skills, creativity, and strengths. Set goals and work towards

achieving them to experience a sense of accomplishment. But, the focus should

be on the process, not the end result. Take note of each time you overcome a

challenge or discover a more efficient way to do something. It can be daily tasks

written on a sticky note or life goals kept in a vital spot. Immerse yourself in a

goal, and the feeling of accomplishment will guide your well-being.

Relationships- This is a fundamental aspect of well-being. Relationships bring

many significant emotions that enhance well-being, such as profound joy,

laughter, a sense of belonging, and support. Relationships with others give life

meaning and a purpose greater than oneself. Your relationships with others

support well-being and are necessary for when you are vulnerable.

Meaning- This aspect revolves around being a part of something bigger than

yourself. Relationships are intertwined in this aspect as you work with and for the

people who surround you. There are many ways to accomplish a sense of

meaning: family, sports, volunteer work, politics, work, and more.

Accomplishments- People strive for success, achievement, and reward through

various aspects of their lives, such as work, school, sports, and more. The

emotion from each achievement promotes well-being.

Key Takeaways:

Research reveals that a thriving lifestyle yields numerous benefits, with

well-being contributing to many positive outcomes.

These include:

• Better work performance

• Satisfying relationships

• Better physical health

• Improved mental toughness

• Longer Lifespan

• Fewer sleep problems

• Lower stress levels and better stress management

• Better coping abilities

• Reduced anxiety and depression

• Positive outlook

By diligently improving each aspect of well-being, you can enjoy the rewards and

lead a long, loving, graceful life.

Don’t forget to subscribe to our email list to receive updates on next month’s

post, which will explore more on the psychology of happiness and offer insights on

enhancing your mindset and outlook for a more peaceful and joyful life.

References

Madeson, M. (2017). Seligman’s PERMA+ Model Explained: A Theory of Wellbeing

Mischel, W. (2024, May 17). psychology. Encyclopedia Britannica.

https://www.britannica.com/science/psychology

The Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania. (2024). PERMATM Theory of

Well-Being and PERMATM Workshops

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