Subjective Construal of Happiness among Urban Educated Bengali Youth: A Preliminary Study Using Grounded Theory Approach
06 Apr 2018-Indian journal of positive psychology (Indian Association of Health, Research, and Welfare (IAHRW))-Vol. 9, Iss: 1, pp 78-82
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors attempted to extract the de-facto ideas that four contemporary young, urban, Bengali individuals, residing in Kolkata had regarding happiness, which was expressed in terms of peace and contentment, associated with compassion, forgiving and letting go.
Abstract: A quick glance at the vast number of contemporary researches on happiness brings out terms like subjective wellbeing,satisfaction with life, contentment. Few researchers, in the current decade, however, have followed the
qualitative paradigm, with the aim to “discover” the idea of and beliefs regarding happiness, as they occur in the
society. The current research was a similar attempt, intended to extract the de-facto ideas that four contemporary
young, urban, Bengali individuals, residing in Kolkata had regarding happiness. Sample constituted two males and
two females; constructivist grounded theory was the method that was used. Analysis revealed conception of
happiness to be intrinsic, which was expressed in terms of peace and contentment, and associated with compassion,
forgiveness and “letting go”. Activities such as pursuing one's hobbies, participating in adventurous activities,
focussing on one's goals and distraction were enumerated as ways and means that led to happiness. A harmonious
relationship with individuals close to the participants was mentioned as a significant factor behind happiness.
Keywords: happiness, qualitative, grounded theory
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TL;DR: The combined results of the qualitative and quantitative analyses showed that in Korea, people pursuing money or social success feel the unhappiest, whereas people pursuing a mission or sense of belonging feel the happiest.
Abstract: Although Korea has achieved successful economic, social, cultural, and technological development over the past decades, Korean people do not seem to be particularly happy. To enhance an individual’s happiness, we need to be aware of what situations and environmental conditions are conducive for happiness and explore the values of happiness we pursue. This study investigated the types of happiness expressed by Korean people using a mixed-method approach. Personal in-depth (n = 15) and focus group (n = 16) interviews were conducted with people who reported feeling a high level of happiness. Happiness categorization was conducted using Q methodology (n = 63). Subsequently, we surveyed 999 nationally representative samples of Korean adults to generalize the results of the Q analysis. The findings revealed seven types of adult happiness in Korea: (1) Self-actualization, (2) Belongingness, (3) Mission, (4) Social recognition, (5) Enjoyment, (6) Material success, and (7) Parenting. The combined results of the qualitative and quantitative analyses showed that in Korea, people pursuing money or social success feel the unhappiest, whereas people pursuing a mission or sense of belonging feel the happiest. In conclusion, we discussed the need for happiness literacy education, to provide each adult an opportunity to understand the type of happiness they pursue.
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