Happiness and well-being are probably two most-mentioned words associated with the pursuit of life. Similar in some contexts, both concepts differ by showing up differently in overall life quality. For an understanding of the nuance involved in this field, we can go to the PERMA model developed by Martin Seligman for a comprehensive theory about well-being. Seligman, in his book Flourish (Seligman, 2011) , page 12 onwards identifies the key differences between the previously stated Authentic Happiness (Seligman, 2017) theory and Well-being theory.
| Authentic Happiness theory | Well-Being Theory |
| Topic: Happiness | Topic: Well-being
|
| Measure: Life Satisfaction | Measure: Positive Emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning and Accomplishments (PERMA) |
| Goal: To increase Life Satisfaction | Goal: To increase flourishing by increasing PERMA. |
Source: Flourish (page, 12) by martin Seligman
Defining Happiness
Happiness generally refers to those short-term feelings of delight, contentment, and joy. It is that moment of euphoria we experience at the accomplishment of milestones, sharing time with loved ones, or enjoying a meal. Although happiness is surely an essential aspect of life, this would be transient and circumstantial in nature. For instance, the happiness resulting from promotion at work or going on holiday will instantly disappear when the novelty is off or when any hitches come in.
Understanding Well-Being
In his book, Flourish, on page 14 Professor Seligman indicates happiness as a thing and Wellbeing as a construct. He states the example of ‘Weather’ which is a construct of several components such as wind speed, barometric pressure, temperature, and humidity. Similarly, Well-being is a construct that includes happiness as an element. Well-being, however, is more general and stable. It involves not only positive feelings of happiness but also includes aspects like satisfaction with life, meaningfulness, and personal development. Well-being reflects a deeper and more lasting sense of fulfillment that can persist even when difficulties are encountered.
Among his contributions, the PERMA by Martin Seligman does indicate five elements that constitute well-being:
1. Positive Emotions: Besides happiness, feelings of joy, gratitude, and contentment. While this does overlap with happiness, well-being covers only one single aspect.
2. Engagement: People find activities that are engaging and challenge themselves Flow-a state when one is engaged entirely with their activity.
3. Relationships: Forming lasting, nurturing associations with other people; offers a sense of belonging and love.
4. Meaning: A feeling that one’s life has meaning and purpose through contributing something more significant than oneself.
5. Accomplishment: To achieve goals, developing mastery via past accomplishments.
The Role of PERMA in Differentiating Happiness and Well-Being
PERMA model indicates that well-being is multi-dimensional: while happiness, or positive emotions, is important, a truly fulfilling life also requires engagement, quality relationships, purpose, and achievement. For instance, an individual may not feel happy when working on a difficult project; the sense of engagement and accomplishment they get gives them significant well-being. Besides, well-being is more resilient than happiness. A person with high well-being might still feel fulfilled even in times of hardship because of strong relationships or a sense of purpose. Whereas happiness will be disrupted quite easily by negative events.
Why the Distinction Matters
Understanding the difference between happiness and well-being helps us set more sustainable life goals. Chasing fleeting happiness may lead to frustration when inevitable challenges arise. Striving for well-being gives us a foundation upon which to build long-term fulfillment despite the ups and downs of life. In developing the elements of the PERMA model, we enrich our lives beyond the fleeting pleasures in life and cultivate a more profound and lasting sense of well-being.
Hypothetical case study: Case Study: Dr. Sarah Patel – A Physician in the Emergency Department
Dr. Sarah Patel is a 35-year-old emergency physician who practices her specialty in a busy urban hospital, where everything from minor injuries to true life-threatening emergencies are handled. In the case of Dr. Sarah Patel, happiness is fleeting moments of delight and satisfaction: when the critical patient stabilizes, when a family is genuinely thankful, or when she succeeds in mentoring a junior colleague. These moments of immediate emotional rewards are generally very short-lived, especially in the fast-moving and usually high-stress environment of the emergency department. Well-being is generally a broader and more long-lasting good condition of a person than the feeling associated with those moments. It includes her sense of direction and meaning that comes from saving lives and contributing to her community, engagement in the challenging yet rewarding nature of her work, and strong professional relationships she nurtures with her team. While happiness goes along with daily events, her general well-being is a stable foundation that sustains her in hard shifts and helps her handle the emotional and physical tiring in her role. So, happiness is part of the well-being, but the latter enables her to find longevity and strength in her career. While happiness comes from external achievements, such as saving a patient or receiving gratitude, her well-being comes from a deeper sense of purpose and commitment to her role as a healer. Long-term fulfillment, focusing on meaningful work, building resilience, and recognizing her interconnected role in improving lives, helps Dr. Patel negotiate the vicissitudes of her profession with a sense of balance and inner satisfaction.
Conclusion
Happiness is a great part of life, but just one piece of the overall well-being puzzle. In contrast, focusing on comprehensive elements of the PERMA model is the way to have a well-rounded, fulfilling life that we all can draw on at any time, whether joyous or troubled.
References
- Seligman, M.E.P., 2017. Authentic happiness: using the new positive psychology to realize your potential for lasting fulfillment. Nicholas Brealey Publishing, London.
- Seligman, M.E.P., 2011. Flourish: a new understanding of happiness and well-being, and how to achieve them, 1. publ. ed. Brealey, London.