What Types of Happiness Do Korean Adults Pursue?—Comparison of Seven Happiness Types

Abstract

Although Korea has achieved successful economic, social, cultural, and technological development over the past decades, Korean people do not seem to be particularly happy. To enhance an individual’s happiness, we need to be aware of what situations and environmental conditions are conducive for happiness and explore the values of happiness we pursue. This study investigated the types of happiness expressed by Korean people using a mixed-method approach. Personal in-depth (n = 15) and focus group (n = 16) interviews were conducted with people who reported feeling a high level of happiness. Happiness categorization was conducted using Q methodology (n = 63). Subsequently, we surveyed 999 nationally representative samples of Korean adults to generalize the results of the Q analysis. The findings revealed seven types of adult happiness in Korea: (1) Self-actualization, (2) Belongingness, (3) Mission, (4) Social recognition, (5) Enjoyment, (6) Material success, and (7) Parenting. The combined results of the qualitative and quantitative analyses showed that in Korea, people pursuing money or social success feel the unhappiest, whereas people pursuing a mission or sense of belonging feel the happiest. In conclusion, we discussed the need for happiness literacy education, to provide each adult an opportunity to understand the type of happiness they pursue.

Significados de ser feliz na velhice e qualidade de vida percebida segundo idosos brasileiros

“…Essas noções sobre os dados estão de acordo com a literatura teórica 1,12,15,32,33 e com pesquisas sobre felicidade 2,4,6,8,9,11 , qualidade de vida percebida 23,24 e bem-estar 2,5,10,13 . Neste estudo, a importância dada às relações interpessoais terá sido fortalecida pela forte presença feminina na amostra, dados que se repetem em pesquisas com idosos mais velhos, em diferentes países 8,9,12,[15][16][17]32 . Uma outra particularidade deste estudo terá sido o realce angariado pelo fator senso de autorrealização e prazer e a ênfase atribuída pelos idosos ao autodesenvolvimento, reforçando a impressão de superioridade dos motivos eudaimônicos sobre os hedônicos na determinação do ajustamento dos idosos, replicando dados da pesquisa internacional 12,17,19,33,34 .…”

“…Outros temas citados por eles são idênticos aos encontrados em amostras ocidentais: recursos materiais, autorrealização, prazer e afeto positivo, e saúde 16 . Estudo coreano identificou como fontes de felicidade a autorrealização, o pertencimento, a missão, o reconhecimento social, o desfrute, o sucesso material, e a parentalidade 17 . Idosos latinos vivendo nos E.U.A.…”

Happy Sustainability: A Future Quest for More Sustainable Universities

“…Happiness is a subjective feeling that has been conceptualized in different ways (Doh and Chung 2020). For instance, some scholars suggest that there are two types of happiness: the hedonic and eudaimonic, which differ from their premises.…”

Relationships Among Attitude Toward Leisure, Satisfaction With Leisure Policies, Satisfaction With Leisure Activities, And Happiness In Korean Caregivers For Young Children

“…Over the past decades, many Koreans have had negative attitudes about leisure activities that did not seem productive. Due to rapid economic development led by the government, incomes increased and the standard of living greatly improved, but Koreans' satisfaction with life and their level of happiness remained low compared to other countries (Doh & Chung, 2020;Helliwell et al, 2019;World Bank, 2021). Most Koreans did not feel happy while engaging in leisure activities.…”

“…As Koreans have recently become increasingly interested in the topic of happiness, leisure has come into focus as a way of improving well-being (Doh & Chung, 2020;Han et al, 2020). Growth in the number of leisure-related studies has contributed to life satisfaction for individuals (Ragheb & Gri th, 1982;Ray, 1979;Riddick, 1986) and families (Alan, 2009;Holman & Jacquart, 1988;Orthner & Mancini, 1990; and the body of Korean literature related to the effects of leisure on life satisfaction is also growing (Doh & Chung, 2020;Jeong & Won, 2002;Kim & Lee, 2011). However, previous leisure studies focused on participation in leisure activities and its effect on life satisfaction, and studies related to leisure attitudes and leisure policies were insu cient in number.…”