LIST OF DEFINITIONS
CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW
2.4 Wellbeing
2.4.4 Positive Psychology
factors. That being said, SWB is indeed a general area of scientific interest as opposed to being regarded as a single specific interest construct.
For example, Aristippus (435 - 356 BC), a former student of Socrates, suggested that the goal of life was to experience maximum pleasure. On the other hand, the Greek philosopher Aristotle (384–322 BC), who was a student of Plato and teacher of Alexander the Great, argued that true happiness was not to be found in pleasure or the pursuit thereof per see, but rather, was to be found in the realization of human potential. Consequently, for some, this has given rise to two great approaches to the concept of subjective well-being, that is, the Hedonic and the Eudemonic systems of interpretation (Keyes, Shmotkin & Ryff, 2002).
In recent studies, certain aspects of happiness and life satisfaction measures have been found as reliable and related to more objective measures of well-being, such as those relating to brain activity, personality, blood pressure, positive emotions and the frequency of smiles for example.
Consequently, some organizations who are interested in cross-national research, such as the World Value Survey and the European Quality of Life Survey for example, use both single item measures of life satisfaction; and that of happiness in order to assess the Subjective Well-Being.
A single item measure for life satisfaction is reliable and has been widely used to assess the Subjective Well-Being of people across a number of nations. In conclusion, governments worldwide looking for subjective well-being as strongest correlates as a starting point to informing policies that support subjective well-being.
democracy; 2. the study of positive emotions such as hope and trust; and 3. the study of positive traits such as intelligence, character, obedience, etc.
Flourishing, which is a new concept of Positive Psychology has also emerged. It is demonstrated when an individual feels and functions well within the optimal scope or range of human functioning such as creativity, growth, resilience, and general well-being. Huppert and So (2011) have developed a concept of flourishing with these significant factors: positive emotions, purpose and awareness. They have also included involvement and interest as valuable keys that can create an impact to self-esteem, self-determination, positive relationships, vitality, and emotional stability.
This model started from Huppert and So’s (2011) analysis of research data on European Social Survey (ESS) 2006/2007. While interpreting the diagnostic criteria for common mental disorders such as depression and anxiety, they were able to identify positive emotions, interest, and involvement as some of the key elements of flourishing. The ESS consisted of a sample of 43,000, and Huppert and So positively correlated satisfaction with life and the key elements of flourishing identified previously.
● Diener’s Model
Scientists have discovered that happiness means different things. An analysis of flourishing by utilizing the term psychological health was done by Diener and Biswas-Diener (2008). Diener’s model focuses on the experience of well-being, the significance of a highly satisfactory quality of life, and seeing beyond the absence of depression and anxiety. The model gives utmost importance on involvement, experiencing social relationships and positive emotions, physical health, and a sense of life and spirituality as vital elements to flourishing. It focuses on the
eudemonic view or perspective of wellbeing which is the potential to seek for, develop, and utilize or maximize the great in oneself (Nor Fauziana, et al. 2020). The model also demonstrates the three types of happiness – life satisfaction, positive feelings, and low negative feelings (Jebb et al. 2020). Positive outcomes, such as productivity, become more visible and organizations become more successful. Happy people are also more likely to allot more time to help others.
● Seligman’s Model
Seligman developed a new model of flourishing and suggested some key elements that contribute a lot to the flourishing of individuals (Seligman, 2013). He has identified, through his theory of Authentic Happiness (Seligman, 2013), the following major factors for happiness:
involvement, meaning, and positive emotions. Positive emotions, like contentment or euphoria) are key variables to a good life. Meaning is obtained by a sense of purpose and belonging.
Involvement is acquired through momentous interactions with another individual or with the society.
Seligman’s theory was further developed into the PERMA model of wellbeing. PERMA stands for positive emotion, engagement, relationships, meaning, and accomplishments. A number of research studies utilizes Seligman’s PERMA model. One example is the multi-dimensional wellbeing assessment to understand a group of employees’ wellbeing, with the five PERMA components, was conducted to help in developing policies at work (Kun, Balogh, & Krasz 2017). Another study, in relation to this model, recommended that organizations need to interact and engage with employees to reduce turnover rates (Nor Fauziana et al. 2020).
Drawing on recent research studies and the existing psychological theories and models on happiness and wellbeing, the researcher aims to establish the significant role of co-production and innovation in enhancing levels of happiness and wellbeing.
According to Seligman (2011), there are five fundamental components that contribute to an individual's level of happiness: positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning and purpose, and accomplishment (PERMA). It has to be noted, however, that there are many routes to a flourishing life.
Following are the brief definition of each of the five building blocks:
Positive emotions are not only happiness. It involves the value of interest, compassion, amusement, awe, and gratitude. Increasing positive emotions enhances one's ability to perform and think this generally occurs as a result of growing appreciation and forgiveness in terms of previous circumstances and life, as well as by appreciating physical pleasures and practicing mindfulness in regard to the present, and by constructing hope and optimism in regard to the future.
The engagement has something to do with one’s experience as he fully deploys his skills, strengths, and attention for a challenging task. This is commonly termed as a flow which becomes gratifying when engages himself productively towards a clear life goal.
Relationships contribute to one's life purpose and meaning both in the social and personal aspects. Support from and connection with others is a skill that can be developed which is regarded as the best antidotes to “the downs” of life.
Meaning comes with a purpose that can be derived from a sense of belonging and serving something larger than the self. These are achieved by involving oneself in religious practices, family matters, work organizations, community and the like.
Accomplishment is generally pursued for one's own sake. This could be in the form of achievement, competence, success and mastery in varied contexts such as the workplace, sports, games, hobbies, etc. Accomplishment does not necessarily mean though that it would always lead to positive emotion, meaning and relationships.