What predicts happiness?
What predicts happiness?
ABSTRACT
The present study’s central focus was upon the aspect of ‘happiness’, investigating the best determinant predictor of happiness. A cross sectional questionnaire was used, consisting of the criterion variable-happiness. The three predictor variables used were; social relationships, self-esteem and anxiety. Participants were recruited through a convenience sampling, including 283 participants from the University of Bradford. The study used a within subject design and was conducted with a laboratory setting. Participants were required to complete an online questionnaire which was measured using a 29-item Oxford Happiness Questionnaire. Results portrayed by the regression model indicated all three predictors were significant in predicting happiness. Further, revealing self-esteem as the strongest amongst the three variables in predicting happiness. The findings are discussed within light of theory and empirical research.
Introduction
The Oxford dictionary (2010) defined happiness as ‘feeling or showing pleasure or contentment’ however; this statement upholds different interpretations amongst individuals. The sheer dimensions of happiness signify that it is not a simple concept. But rather opens a door of complexities by which it illustrates what is perceived as happiness may be in complete contrast to another. In context to the study one may perceive happiness through social relationships (friendship) whereas, another may perceive it through self-esteem. Happiness has also be referred to as life satisfaction or subjective well-being (Argyle 2001; Seligman & Csikszentmihalyi, 2000)
In previous centuries, psychologists have heavily focused upon human unhappiness such as anxiety thus, neglecting positive aspects of human potential. Nevertheless, after Bradburn’s (1969) discovery of independence of negative and positive affect, it led to psychologists becoming keen in analysing definitions and predictors of
ABSTRACT
The present study’s central focus was upon the aspect of ‘happiness’, investigating the best determinant predictor of happiness. A cross sectional questionnaire was used, consisting of the criterion variable-happiness. The three predictor variables used were; social relationships, self-esteem and anxiety. Participants were recruited through a convenience sampling, including 283 participants from the University of Bradford. The study used a within subject design and was conducted with a laboratory setting. Participants were required to complete an online questionnaire which was measured using a 29-item Oxford Happiness Questionnaire. Results portrayed by the regression model indicated all three predictors were significant in predicting happiness. Further, revealing self-esteem as the strongest amongst the three variables in predicting happiness. The findings are discussed within light of theory and empirical research.
Introduction
The Oxford dictionary (2010) defined happiness as ‘feeling or showing pleasure or contentment’ however; this statement upholds different interpretations amongst individuals. The sheer dimensions of happiness signify that it is not a simple concept. But rather opens a door of complexities by which it illustrates what is perceived as happiness may be in complete contrast to another. In context to the study one may perceive happiness through social relationships (friendship) whereas, another may perceive it through self-esteem. Happiness has also be referred to as life satisfaction or subjective well-being (Argyle 2001; Seligman & Csikszentmihalyi, 2000)
In previous centuries, psychologists have heavily focused upon human unhappiness such as anxiety thus, neglecting positive aspects of human potential. Nevertheless, after Bradburn’s (1969) discovery of independence of negative and positive affect, it led to psychologists becoming keen in analysing definitions and predictors of