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Area of Science:

  • Psychology
  • Sociology

Background:

  • Previous research identified strong social relationships as a characteristic of extremely happy individuals.
  • The current study builds upon prior work by examining a global sample to understand happiness determinants.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To replicate and extend previous findings on the characteristics of the happiest individuals.
  • To compare the happiest individuals with averagely happy and unhappy people across diverse societies.
  • To identify factors contributing to high subjective well-being (SWB) at both individual and societal levels.

Main Methods:

  • A world sample was analyzed to compare different levels of subjective well-being.
  • Key factors such as basic need fulfillment and social resources were assessed.
  • Societal characteristics, including social capital and overall happiness levels, were examined.

Main Results:

  • Basic need fulfillment and social resources were confirmed as crucial for high subjective well-being.
  • The happiest individuals were more likely to reside in societies with high subjective well-being and social capital.
  • While certain factors are necessary for SWB, none individually guarantee it.
  • Helping others, exercising, and not smoking emerged as potential outcomes of high SWB.

Conclusions:

  • High subjective well-being is influenced by both personal circumstances and the prosperity and social support of one's society.
  • Individual happiness is enhanced by strong social connections and the fulfillment of basic needs.
  • Societal factors play a significant role in fostering individual happiness, suggesting a bidirectional relationship.