Elucidating the constructs happiness and wellbeing: A mixed-methods approach

Abstract

Abstract:In this study we examine the constructs "happiness" and "wellbeing" in a sample of Canadian women and men in mid-adulthood. Through a sequential mixed-methods approach, we utilize Sen and Nussbaum's conceptualizations of capabilities to inform the themes generated from semi-structured interviews. We find that participants understand happiness and wellbeing as two distinct constructs that are illuminated in the metaphors happiness as balance and the gears of wellbeing. Second, we corroborate these constructs through a principal component analysis of questionnaire data. We conclude that happiness and wellbeing are not static entities, but rather iterative processes that are constantly in flux and determined by the fulfillment of the often contradictory needs for (1) goal-achievement and an acceptance of reality, and (2) freedom along with meaning-making, which often involves creating restraints in one's life. These findings have important implications for those using happiness and wellbeing as policy outcome measures.

Higher education for happiness? Investigating the impact of education on the hedonic and eudaimonic well-being of Europeans

“…Indeed, it is sometimes argued to be one component of well-being (Michalos et al, 2012; Perneger et al, 2012). For example, Nussbaum (2011) includes physical health in two of her ten central capabilities, and laypeople often mention health as an important part of their well-being (Anand et al, 2005; Collomb et al, 2012; Jongbloed and Andres, 2015). Health is strongly linked to education as well (Furnée et al, 2008).…”

Propiedades psicométricas del PERMA-Profiler para la medición del bienestar en una muestra de estudiantes universitarios chilenos

“…La investigación del bienestar ha tenido dos enfoques principales: el "bienestar subjetivo", fundamentado en la presencia de emociones positivas y satisfacción con la vida, y el "bienestar psicológico" centrado en el desarrollo del potencial humano (14,15). Investigar este tema desde un solo enfoque genera limitaciones en la comprensión del concepto, ya que no puede ser englobado en un aspecto (16,17).…”

Well‐being in the Welfare State: the redistributive capacity of education

“…Placing these debates in a broader perspective, others consider how the mixed and contradictory findings regarding the impact of education on well‐being are instead due to the diverse ways in which well‐being itself is measured (Michalos, ; Ryan & Deci, ). In fact, there is often little conceptual clarity with regard to the term well‐being, as researchers use different definitions and terms interchangeably (Jongbloed & Andres, ; Van Praag & Ferrer‐i‐Carbonell, ).…”