Happiness Definitions
Happiness Definitions
Two Major Traditions
Happiness research coalesces around two distinct philosophical traditions that define happiness differently and measure it with different tools.
Hedonic Happiness (Subjective Well-Being)
Rooted in the hedonic tradition of Epicurus and Bentham. Defines happiness as:
- High positive affect — frequent experiences of joy, pleasure, contentment
- Low negative affect — infrequent experiences of sadness, anxiety, anger
- High life satisfaction — a cognitive judgment that one’s life is going well
This is the tripartite model of subjective well-being (SWB), formalized by [[ed-diener]] in 1984. It’s the most studied and measured form of happiness in psychology.
Measurement: [[satisfaction-with-life-scale]], [[positive-and-negative-affect-schedule]], [[subjective-happiness-scale]]
Eudaimonic Happiness (Psychological Well-Being)
Rooted in Aristotle’s concept of eudaimonia — not just feeling good, but functioning well. Defines happiness as:
- Purpose and meaning — living in accordance with one’s values
- Personal growth — becoming the best version of oneself
- Autonomy and mastery — competence and self-determination
- Positive relationships — deep, authentic connections
Key models: [[perma-model]] (Seligman), [[psychological-well-being-model]] (Ryff’s six-factor model), [[self-determination-theory]] (Ryan & Deci)
The Relationship Between Them
Hedonic and eudaimonic well-being are correlated (r ≈ 0.5–0.7) but distinct. People can have high life satisfaction without a sense of meaning, or vice versa. Most contemporary researchers acknowledge both are important and often measure both.
Lyubomirsky’s Integrative Definition
[[sonja-lyubomirsky]] offers a widely-cited composite: “the experience of joy, contentment, or positive well-being, combined with a sense that one’s life is good, meaningful, and worthwhile.”
Important Distinction: State vs Trait
- State happiness: Momentary emotional experience — fluctuates throughout the day
- Trait happiness: Baseline disposition — relatively stable over time
This distinction is critical for [[hedonic-adaptation]] theory and understanding which interventions produce lasting change vs temporary boosts.
Actionable Takeaway
When evaluating happiness interventions, ask: which definition of happiness is being targeted? A meditation practice that increases moment-to-moment positive affect (hedonic) may differ from finding a new career that increases meaning (eudaimonic). Most sustainable happiness strategies target both.