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Measuring happiness: from fluctuating happiness to authentic-durable happiness
Michaël Dambrun1, Matthieu Ricard, Gérard Després
1Laboratoire de Psychologie Sociale et Cognitive, CNRS, Clermont Université, Université Blaise Pascal Clermont-Ferrand, France.
Frontiers in Psychology
|February 21, 2012
Summary
This study introduces two new scales to measure distinct types of happiness: fluctuating happiness linked to self-centeredness and authentic-durable happiness associated with selflessness. Findings support this distinction and its relation to personal values.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Well-being Research
- Social Psychology
Background:
- Theoretical distinction between self-centeredness and selflessness.
- Self-centeredness may lead to pleasure-displeasure cycles.
- Selflessness may foster durable happiness independent of circumstances.
Purpose of the Study:
- Develop and validate scales for two distinct dimensions of happiness.
- Measure Subjective Fluctuating Happiness (SFHS) and Subjective Authentic-Durable Happiness (SA-DHS).
- Investigate the relationship between happiness dimensions, values, and stress markers.
Main Methods:
- Developed a 10-item SFHS and a 13-item SA-DHS using diverse samples (N=735).
- Assessed internal consistency, test-retest validity, and convergent/discriminant validity.
- Examined relationships with self-enhancement, self-transcendence values, and salivary cortisol.
Main Results:
- Both scales demonstrated high reliability and validity.
- Self-enhancement values correlated with fluctuating happiness.
- Self-transcendence values correlated with authentic-durable happiness.
- Salivary cortisol, a stress marker, was also considered in validity assessments.
Conclusions:
- Validated the distinction between fluctuating and authentic-durable happiness.
- Confirmed the link between specific values (self-enhancement, self-transcendence) and happiness types.
- Provided empirical support for a nuanced understanding of happiness and well-being.
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