Measuring Happiness: From Fluctuating Happiness to Authentic–Durable Happiness

Abstract

On the basis of the theoretical distinction between self-centeredness and selflessness (Dambrun and Ricard, 2011), the main goal of this research was to develop two new scales assessing distinct dimensions of happiness. By trying to maximize pleasures and to avoid displeasures, we propose that a self-centered functioning induces a fluctuating happiness in which phases of pleasure and displeasure alternate repeatedly (i.e., Fluctuating Happiness). In contrast, a selfless psychological functioning postulates the existence of a state of durable plenitude that is less dependent upon circumstances but rather is related to a person’s inner resources and abilities to deal with whatever comes his way in life (i.e., Authentic–Durable Happiness). Using various samples (n = 735), we developed a 10-item Scale measuring Subjective Fluctuating Happiness (SFHS) and a 13-item scale assessing Subjective Authentic–Durable Happiness (SA–DHS). Results indicated high internal consistencies, satisfactory test–retest validities, and adequate convergent and discriminant validities with various constructs including a biological marker of stress (salivary cortisol). Consistent with our theoretical framework, while self-enhancement values were related only to fluctuating happiness, self-transcendence values were related only to authentic–durable happiness. Support for the distinction between contentment and inner-peace, two related markers of authentic happiness, also was found.

Fragility of Happiness Beliefs Across 15 National Groups

“…Today is no different (Joshanloo 2014), and certain contemporary cultures and individuals would judge some of these other understandings of happiness to be more correct or more important than the one in use in the present study. For example, happiness might be understood by certain individuals and cultures as a more durable state that should be preserved in the face of unpleasant life events (e.g., Dambrun et al 2012;Delle Fave et al 2011;Kjell 2011). Such understandings of happiness as something that tends to be durable are less apt for the present investigation because they are by nature less fragile.…”

Children’s and Adolescents’ Conceptions of Happiness

“…The category "well-being" included categories that previous research has classified as independent constructs, namely, "feelings of contentment", which is a hedonic component of well-being, and "harmony" or "balance" which are considered eudemonic components (Dambrun et al, 2012;Huta & Waterman, 2014). Furthermore, "health" was also included in this category.…”

Complementary and Alternative Medicine as a Functional Tendency. Formation of Preferences, Agency, and Diffusion Among Citizenships

“…The research's centers and researcher's projects are large, in accordance to the extend variety of CAM activities. 4 According to Nature's Therapies Dossier by the Spanish Health Department developed in 2011, although these techniques tend to be considered more harmless than those of the conventional medication is administrated, they are free of adverse effects as fitoteraphy, oligotherapy, flowers or others medicines are used (Goci et al, 2013) 5 ; (5) The point (3) and (4) would reduce health risks as well as increase the people's quality of life; (6) Regarding the conventional medicine, the CAM is showing impressive results in the stress disorder, perhaps the XXI Century illness (Dambrun et al, 2012;Ekman et al, 2005;Goyal et al, 2014;Perez and Holmes, 2000;Radhika and Kumari, 2014;Szekeres and Wertheim, 2015) .…”