Wellbeing, Happiness and Purpose Framework

I read a book about happiness called Happiness and Economics (Frey and Stutzer, 2002). Although it says at the start of the book:

“Because happiness is such an elusive concept, it makes little sense to proceed by trying to define what happiness is.” (Frey and Stutzer, 2002, p.4)

it does include interesting papers about things that make people happier whether physiologically and/or psychologically. And, although the above sentence leads to research that is based on participants’ own subjective sense of ‘happiness’ there are useful insights about the subject. Broadly, the book suggests that there are economic effects on happiness and wellbeing and vice versa. Also, broadly, good health, good relationships, and a sense of purpose – even belief in God – tend to increase the level of happiness recorded in surveys (Frey and Stutzer, 2002).

My previous articles (see blog list) about wellbeing and purpose and my life coaching experience/research suggest there is a relationship between wellbeing and a sense of purpose and fulfilment in life, and happiness. If these come together in a person’s life, that person tends to have a more sustained and significant level of contribution in their field(s) of interest/expertise (see Figure 1).

Figure 1   Wellbeing, Happiness and Purpose Framework

This is a tentative framework of wellbeing, happiness, and purpose. However, it is worth considering on a personal level, and, in turn, perhaps on broader levels too: for communities, societies and economies.

Dr Peter Sharp   26^th June 2024

Reference

Frey, B. S. and Stutzer, A. (2002) Happiness and Economics, Princeton University Press, 41 William Street, Princeton, New Jersey, ISBN: 0-691-06998-0.