The Social Psychology Of Happiness - 1586 Words

Happiness as a phenomenon is a subject that has attracted attention from researchers in psychology. It is baffling how happiness is an intrinsic desire all wish to attain. There are many theories throughout time about how to achieve it and debates about whether it is even an ongoing process or a place. Many famous figures from ancient Greeks, Plato, and contemporary philosophers, Robert Nozick, have queried the meaning of it. Thus, there is no one set definition for happiness. Amongst the many concepts of happiness, is the one by Ed Diener and Shigehiro Oishi in their article, The Nonobvious Social Psychology of Happiness. They examine happiness in a non-conventional and psycho-social viewpoint. To them, there are three main factors that contribute to happiness; close social relationships, the ratio of negative events over positive events in relationships and culture and well-being (Diener Oishi, 2004). Another minor finding discussed is the hedonic treadmill of adaptation which ess entially the theory that life stresses and pleasures only provides temporary sadness or happiness. In other words, the effect it has neutralizes with time and adaptation to it occurs. Spending time with close friends and families makes people happy (i.e supporting, caring and being concerned with each other). This is a contention made by Diener and Oishi in their work. They reference the empirical findings of Bradburn which shows the strong correlation between happiness and close relationships.Show MoreRelatedPositive Interventions: A Comparison of Increased Happiness Resulting from Completing Actions Involving Kindness and Gratitude725 Words   |  3 PagesAlong with life and liberty, the pursuit of happiness is among the most fundamental ideals in American society. 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