Different things make different people happy. This statement was supported by most authors who wrote about subjective well being (Diener and Biswas-Diener, 2000). Many proponents reported that it is crucial to understand the importance of goals and values and its relationship with subjective well being. Particularly, supporters of the goal theory claim that if individuals work towards attaining their set goals, objectives and desires, in accordance with their values, they are more likely to be happy than others who do not acknowledge such goals.
In effect, it has been accepted that the core foundation of this goal theory is the interplay of goals and values and how it has become the standard for the affect system (Diener et al. , 1999). Emmons (1986) have shown support for this statement as his findings dictate that when people succeed at meeting their goals, they are more likely to have a positive affect and rate a greater life satisfaction. Also, those with goals which are conflicting with their values were observed to have negative affect.
In further support, Oishi and his colleagues (1999) observed that happiness is always relative to a person’s values. This can be seen in the instance wherein students who indicate that achievement is something they value highly, would report a higher satisfaction if they attain high grades. On the other hand, a high life satisfaction was reported by those who value conformity and who have a fairly harmonious family life (Oishi et al. , 1999). Another important factor to note is that comparison made between standards may also determine a person’s level of subjective well being (Michalos, 1985).
People are observed to have this innate tendency to compare one’s self with the state of another. When one sees or perceives him or his self to be better than another, he or she may feel happy and satisfied. Other wise, a lesser standing in life as compared with other people may make a person feel unhappy (Michalos, 1985). Simply put, individuals derive their state of happiness and satisfaction from seeing that others are in a worse or lesser state than them (Diener and Biswas-Diener, 2000).
Contrary to this was the study made by Diener and Fujita (1997). For them, they claimed that such a model oversimplified the mechanism enveloping subjective well being. As a matter of fact, they claim that people sometimes do not pay as much attention to socially comparing one’s self. Even more, people, they claimed, have a tendency to feel empathy for the less fortunate and actually put a high regard and draw courage from those they regard as being in a higher state or position (Diener and Fujita, 1997).
Ergo, for these proponents, they believe that little influence was projected from being around people who are better or worse, in terms of affecting an individual’s perception of his or her happiness. Lastly, they concluded by saying that goals have a much more significant effect on people’s happiness as compared to social comparison. It could be said, however, that social comparison may play a role in determining the goals a person may set for him or herself (Diener and Fujita, 1997).
Other Theoretical Models To better understand subjective well being, other theorists and scholars have proposed different conceptual models or frameworks. One of which is the self-determination model of well being proposed by Ryan, et al (1996). According to this model, there are three psychological needs. These are the concepts of autonomy, competence and relatedness (Ryan et al. , 1996). These are viewed as key predictors of psychological well-being that when achieved could lead to a positive well being.
Personal growth, autonomy, improvement of other individuals and communities—more collectively viewed as intrinsic goals—are said to be predictive of a feeling of satisfaction. Extrinsic goals which could be defined by financial success, physical traits and social reputation or image, may not be as effective in pacifying or producing that deep sense of satisfaction. Therefore, the only way that could lead to an enhancement of subjective well being is to focus on intrinsic goals like having meaningful relationships, attaching importance to personal growth and autonomy, and doing community service or charity work.
For these proponents, self determination is all about living the “good life” in a way that would be beneficial not only for one’s self, but also for the community as a whole (Ryan et al. , 1996). Moving on, another theoretical model concerning SWB was made by Csikszentmihalyi (1997). His theory, better known as the “Theory of Flow” focuses more on the importance of interesting activities in a person’s life. The key to a happy life, Csikszentmihalyi (1997) argues is to engage one’s self in meaningful and interesting activities.
Challenge and skill are important factors that determine a person’s interest in such activities. Pleasurable activities may be those that meet a person’s skill level. Therefore, an activity viewed as too easy may produce boredom. In contrast, too difficult tasks may yield anxiety (Csikszentmihayli, 1997). In conclusion, this theory proposes that a person’s happiness revolves around challenging activities that matches his or her skills.