Authentic Happiness Theory

Introduction

Happiness has been a topic of philosophical contemplation for centuries, from Ancient Greek thinkers like Aristotle to modern psychologists. While most people strive for happiness, the precise meaning of happiness and the ways to achieve it have been widely debated. Positive psychology, spearheaded by Professor Martin Seligman, shifted happiness research into a scientific study, focusing on what makes people flourish. His Authentic Happiness Theory (2002) laid the groundwork for understanding how happiness can be pursued through practical strategies, blending hedonic and eudaimonic elements for sustained well-being (Seligman, 2002).

The science of happiness is now more than three decades into research, offering insights into what increases our well-being and what does not. It explores two key dimensions of happiness and three pathways that can guide individuals toward a fulfilled life.

What is Happiness?

Happiness, often referred to as subjective well-being (SWB), evolves across the lifespan and is influenced by various genetic, environmental, social, and psychological factors. Positive psychology plays a key role in understanding these changes, with concepts like emotional regulation, gratitude, and social connections being central to sustaining well-being at different life stages.

Subjective Well-Being (SWB) is a concept central to positive psychology, SWB consists of-

• Affective well-being- The balance of positive and negative emotions.
• Cognitive well-being- Life satisfaction, an evaluation of one’s life circumstances (Diener, 1984).

Happiness can also be defined as a positive emotional state that arises when individuals feel satisfied with their life and experience frequent positive emotions, such as joy or contentment, and relatively few negative emotions. It reflects both emotional well-being and a cognitive evaluation of life satisfaction (Lyubomirsky et al., 2005).

Definitions of Happiness 

According to Myers & Diener (1995) Happiness is the experience of frequent positive effect, infrequent negative effect and an overall sense of satisfaction with life as a whole.

Argyle & Hills (2002) defined happiness as a combination of life satisfaction and frequency of positive and negative affect which is measured through subjective well-being (SWB).

Carr (2004) defined happiness as a positive psychological state characterized by a high level of satisfaction with life, a high level of positive affect and a low level of negative affect.

Read More- What is Happiness?

Authentic Happiness Theory

Authentic Happiness Theory  proposed that true happiness arises from living a life that fulfills three core components. Happiness could be analyzed into three different elements that we choose for their own sakes: positive emotion, engagement, and meaning. And each of these component / elements is better defined and more measurable than happiness.

Authentic Happiness by Martin E. P. Seligman

Component 1-  Pleasure

It  to the pursuit of enjoyable experiences and positive emotions, essential for a fulfilling life, even if they are often transient. What we feel: pleasure, rapture, ecstasy, warmth, comfort, and the like.

An entire life led successfully around this element, He call the “pleasant life.”

Component 2- Engagement

It achieved through deep involvement in activities that challenge an individual’s skills and abilities, closely related to the concept of “flow,” where one becomes fully immersed in a task, leading to a profound sense of fulfillment and satisfaction.

It is about flow: being one with the music, time stopping, and the loss of self-consciousness during an absorbing activity. He refer to a life lived with these aims as the “engaged life.”

Engagement is different, even opposite, from positive emotion; for if you ask people who are in flow, what they are thinking and feeling, they usually say, “nothing.”

In flow we merge with the object. He believe that the concentrated attention that flow requires uses up all the cognitive and emotional resources that make up thought and feeling.

There are no shortcuts to flow. On the contrary, you need to deploy your highest strengths and talents to meet the world in flow.

There are effortless shortcuts to feeling positive emotion, which is another difference between engagement and positive emotion. You can masturbate, go shopping, take drugs, or watch television. Hence, the importance of identifying your highest strengths and learning to use them more often in order to go into flow.

Component 3-  Meaning

It involves finding purpose and belonging, connecting to something larger than oneself, such as family, community, or spirituality.

We go into flow playing bridge, but after a long tournament, when we look in the mirror, we worry that I am fidgeting until I die. The pursuit of engagement and the pursuit of pleasure are often solitary, solipsistic endeavors.

Human beings, ineluctably, want meaning and purpose in life. The Meaningful Life consists in belonging to and serving something that you believe is bigger than the self, and humanity creates all the positive institutions to allow this: religion, political party, being Green, the Boy Scouts, or the family.

According to Seligman, cultivating these elements fosters a more fulfilling and joyful life.

Read More- Check Your Happiness Levels (Oxford Happiness Questionnaire)

Two Dimensions or Approaches of Authentic Happiness

1. Hedonic Wellbeing–

Hedonic well-being refers to happiness derived from positive emotions, pleasure, and minimizing discomfort. It encompasses feelings of bliss, calm, delight, and excitement. This form of happiness aligns with maximizing pleasurable experiences while reducing pain and stress. The concept is closely related to the “feel-good” factor.
However, hedonic well-being has a notable limitation—its fleeting nature. Positive feelings fade over time, leading to a phenomenon known as the “hedonic treadmill” (Brickman & Campbell, 1971). As people adapt to positive experiences, the emotional impact diminishes, requiring ever-increasing doses of pleasure or variety to maintain happiness.

For example- A student who feels ecstatic after receiving a high grade may soon become accustomed to that success. Over time, achieving good grades may no longer bring the same level of joy unless the stakes or rewards are raised.

2. Eudaimonic Wellbeing–

Eudaimonic well-being offers a deeper, more sustainable kind of happiness rooted in living a meaningful and purposeful life. The term originates from Aristotle, who described “eudaimonia” as “living well and doing well,” focusing on personal growth, self-actualization, and contributing to something greater than oneself. Modern research interprets eudaimonic well-being as flourishing, where individuals find fulfillment through achievement, purpose, and functioning well in life (Ryan & Deci, 2001).

For example- A student who pursues a career in medicine, not just for financial success but because they want to help others, is engaging in eudaimonic well-being. The sense of purpose from making a positive difference provides long-term satisfaction.

Hedonic vs Eudaimonic Happiness (Huta, 2018)

Finding the Balance

Happiness is about striking the right balance between hedonic and eudaimonic well-being. Too much indulgence in the hedonic side—chasing pleasure—can lead to feeling unmotivated or even unfulfilled. In contrast, a life focused purely on achievement (eudaimonic well-being) may lack joy and could lead to burnout or strained relationships. A balanced life includes both enjoyment and purpose.

• Example: A student might find that while constant studying leads to academic success (eudaimonic well-being), it may lack immediate joy and cause burnout. On the other hand, prioritizing leisure activities without a sense of purpose might result in temporary pleasure (hedonic well-being) but can leave the student feeling unfulfilled in the long run. Therefore, balancing study with enjoyable breaks, such as socializing or hobbies, is key.

Three Pathways to Authentic Happiness

Martin Seligman outlined three primary pathways to authentic happiness that individuals can use to cultivate well-being. These pathways are rooted in intrinsic motivation and align with different forms of positive psychological experiences (Seligman, 2002).

3 Paths to Authentic Happiness

1. The Pleasant Life (Pleasure)- This pathway emphasizes maximizing pleasure, enjoyment, and positive emotions. It focuses on experiencing sensory pleasures such as comfort, relaxation, and bliss. While this approach can contribute to happiness, it is generally short-lived. However, it can be an important starting point for increasing overall well-being. For example- A student who enjoys a relaxing evening with friends after a stressful week of exams is engaging in “the pleasant life.” This time of relaxation and fun helps to recharge and brings temporary happiness.
2. The Engaged Life (Engagement)- The second pathway, engagement, involves being fully absorbed in activities where one loses track of time, a state often referred to as “flow” (Csikszentmihalyi, 1990). Engagement arises when people use their strengths and abilities to meet challenges, becoming deeply involved in their work, studies, or hobbies. Unlike the pleasant life, which focuses on immediate enjoyment, the engaged life leads to happiness through a sense of focus, mastery, and deep involvement. For example- A student who becomes completely absorbed in a challenging project, such as conducting a science experiment or writing a paper, experiences high engagement. This feeling of “flow” provides a different form of happiness—one rooted in being fully present and utilizing personal strengths.
3. The Meaningful Life (Meaning)- The final pathway is the meaningful life, which involves contributing to something larger than oneself and aligning actions with personal values. Meaning is derived from having a purpose in life and finding significance in one’s actions. This could include religious, social, or community activities that connect people to their core beliefs and values. Unlike hedonic happiness, meaning is more enduring and can lead to lasting well-being. For example- A student who volunteers regularly at a local charity, helping underprivileged children with their education, finds a sense of meaning and fulfillment beyond their personal achievements. This sense of contributing to others’ well-being leads to a more profound, sustained sense of happiness.

Seligman’s Happiness Formula

Martin Seligman proposes a formula for happiness:    H = S + C + V

• H: Enduring happiness
• S: Set point (biological predisposition)
• C: Conditions of life (external circumstances)
• V: Voluntary activities (intentional actions to boost happiness)

PERMA Model and Authentic Happiness

The PERMA model and authentic happiness are closely interconnected concepts within the field of positive psychology, developed primarily by Martin Seligman. Understanding their relationship provides insights into how individuals can cultivate a fulfilling and meaningful life.

The PERMA model consists of five core elements that contribute to well-being and happiness-

1. P – Positive Emotions- This aspect emphasizes the importance of experiencing joy, contentment, and pleasure in life. Positive emotions are essential for overall well-being and include feelings such as gratitude, love, and happiness.
2. E – Engagement- Engagement refers to being fully absorbed in activities that challenge and utilize one’s skills, often referred to as achieving a state of flow. This element highlights the importance of being involved in meaningful tasks that promote personal development.
3. R – Relationships- This component underscores the significance of having strong, positive relationships with others. Social connections provide emotional support, enhance feelings of belonging, and contribute to happiness.
4. M – Meaning- Meaning involves having a purpose and feeling that one’s life has significance. Engaging in activities that align with personal values and serve a greater cause fosters a sense of fulfillment.
5. A – Accomplishment- This element relates to the pursuit of achievement and personal goals. Accomplishing tasks and reaching milestones contribute to self-esteem and satisfaction.

PERMA Model

The relationship between the two theories can be understood as follows-

• Foundational Framework- The PERMA model serves as a structured framework that outlines the essential components of well-being. Each of the five elements of PERMA directly contributes to the experience of authentic happiness. By addressing each area, individuals can cultivate a comprehensive sense of fulfillment.
• Positive Emotions and Authentic Happiness- The first component of the PERMA model—Positive Emotions—aligns closely with the hedonic aspect of authentic happiness. Experiencing positive emotions enhances life satisfaction and overall happiness, creating a foundation for authentic well-being.
• Engagement and Flow- The Engagement component emphasizes being deeply involved in activities that utilize personal strengths. This engagement fosters a sense of flow, leading to intrinsic enjoyment and fulfillment, which are essential components of eudaimonic happiness. Engaging in fulfilling activities helps individuals connect with their true selves and enhances their overall happiness.
• Relationships as a Core Element- Strong and supportive Relationships are critical for both the PERMA model and authentic happiness. Positive social connections provide emotional support, foster a sense of belonging, and contribute significantly to life satisfaction. Engaging in meaningful relationships helps individuals feel valued and understood, enhancing their happiness.
• Meaning and Purpose- The Meaning element of the PERMA model highlights the importance of finding purpose in life, which is a core aspect of eudaimonic well-being. When individuals engage in activities that align with their values and contribute to a greater good, they experience a deeper sense of fulfillment, enhancing their authentic happiness.
• Accomplishment and Self-Worth- The Accomplishment component reflects the human need for achievement and success. Setting and achieving personal goals boosts self-esteem and creates a sense of progress, which is vital for authentic happiness. Individuals who recognize their accomplishments often experience greater life satisfaction and fulfillment.

The relationship between the PERMA model and authentic happiness is one of mutual reinforcement. The PERMA model provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the various elements that contribute to well-being, while authentic happiness emphasizes the integration of these elements into a fulfilling life.

By cultivating positive emotions, engagement, meaningful relationships, purpose, and a sense of accomplishment, individuals can enhance their authentic happiness and lead richer, more satisfying lives. This interplay underscores the importance of a balanced approach to well-being that encompasses both immediate pleasures and long-term fulfillment.

Conclusion 

Authentic Happiness Theory, as conceptualized by Martin Seligman, offers a multifaceted approach to happiness, emphasizing the importance of both hedonic and eudaimonic well-being. While short-term pleasures can elevate mood, long-term happiness is best achieved through engagement and finding meaning in life. The three pathways—pleasure, engagement, and meaning—provide a clear framework for enhancing well-being in a balanced and sustainable manner. Happiness is not merely the absence of pain or the presence of pleasure but rather a life enriched by meaningful pursuits, engaging experiences, and moments of joy.

By incorporating strategies from both hedonic and eudaimonic dimensions, individuals can cultivate authentic happiness that not only feels good in the moment but also contributes to a sense of fulfillment and life satisfaction over time.

References

Seligman, M. E. P. (2002). Authentic Happiness: Using the New Positive Psychology to Realize Your Potential for Lasting Fulfillment. Free Press.

Csikszentmihalyi, M. (1990). Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience. Harper & Row.

Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2001). On Happiness and Human Potentials: A Review of Research on Hedonic and Eudaimonic Well-being. Annual Review of Psychology, 52(1), 141-166.

Brickman, P., & Campbell, D. T. (1971). Hedonic Relativism and Planning the Good Society. In M. H. Appley (Ed.), Adaptation-level Theory (pp. 287-302). Academic Press.

Seligman, M. (2011) https://www.authentichappiness.sas.upenn.edu/learn/wellbeing#:~:text=The%20theory

%20in%20Authentic%20Happiness,emotion%2C%20engagement%2C%20and%20meaning.