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'''Happiness''' is a [[state]] of [[mind]] or [[feeling]] characterized by contentment, satisfaction, [[pleasure]], or [[joy]].[1] A variety of philosophical, religious, psychological and biological approaches have striven to define happiness and identify its sources.

'''Happiness''' is a [[state]] of [[mind]] or [[feeling]] characterized by contentment, satisfaction, [[pleasure]], or [[joy]].[1] A variety of philosophical, religious, psychological and biological approaches have striven to define happiness and identify its sources.

Philosophers and religious thinkers often define happiness in terms of living a [[Goodnes|good]] life, or flourishing, rather than simply as an [[emotion]]. Happiness in this older sense was used to translate the Greek Eudaimonia, and is still used in [[virtue]] [[ethics]].

Philosophers and religious thinkers often define happiness in terms of living a [[Goodness|good]] life, or flourishing, rather than simply as an [[emotion]]. Happiness in this older sense was used to translate the Greek Eudaimonia, and is still used in [[virtue]] [[ethics]].

While direct measurement of happiness presents challenges, tools such as The Oxford Happiness Questionnaire have been developed by [[research]]ers. Positive [[psychology]] researchers use theoretical [[model]]s that include describing happiness as consisting of positive [[emotion]]s and positive activities, or that describe three kinds of happiness: pleasure, engagement, and [[meaning]]. Research has identified a number of attributes that correlate with happiness: relationships and social interaction, extraversion, marital status, employment, [[health]], democratic freedom, optimism, religious involvement, income (but mainly up to the point where survival needs are met), and proximity to other happy people.

While direct measurement of happiness presents challenges, tools such as The Oxford Happiness Questionnaire have been developed by [[research]]ers. Positive [[psychology]] researchers use theoretical [[model]]s that include describing happiness as consisting of positive [[emotion]]s and positive activities, or that describe three kinds of happiness: pleasure, engagement, and [[meaning]]. Research has identified a number of attributes that correlate with happiness: relationships and social interaction, extraversion, marital status, employment, [[health]], democratic freedom, optimism, religious involvement, income (but mainly up to the point where survival needs are met), and proximity to other happy people.