| '''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. |