Happiness Science and Sustainable Well-Being Cheat Sheet

Updated 2026-04-11

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Happiness science examines the predictors, components, and cultivation of subjective well-being through empirical research methods. Emerging from positive psychology in the late 1990s, this interdisciplinary field explores both hedonic (pleasure-based) and eudaimonic (meaning-based) pathways to flourishing. A critical insight: while genetics and circumstances set boundaries, approximately 40% of lasting happiness derives from intentional activities—making well-being substantially modifiable through evidence-based practices rather than passive life events alone.

What This Cheat Sheet Covers

This topic spans 21 focused tables and 124 indexed concepts. Below is a complete table-by-table outline of this topic, spanning foundational concepts through advanced details.

Table 1: Core Models of HappinessTable 2: Hedonic Adaptation and Set PointTable 3: Measuring Subjective Well-BeingTable 4: Evidence-Based Happiness InterventionsTable 5: Social and Relational Well-BeingTable 6: Flow and EngagementTable 7: Money and CircumstancesTable 8: Meaning and PurposeTable 9: Resilience and GrowthTable 10: Self-Determination TheoryTable 11: Character Strengths and VirtuesTable 12: Healthy Habits and Physical Well-BeingTable 13: Positive EmotionsTable 14: Work and AchievementTable 15: Self-Compassion and Self-CareTable 16: Goal Pursuit and AchievementTable 17: Mindfulness and Present-Moment AwarenessTable 18: Volunteering and Prosocial BehaviorTable 19: Cultural and Individual DifferencesTable 20: Common Myths and MisconceptionsTable 21: Barriers to Sustainable Happiness

Table 1: Core Models of Happiness

Model	Example	Description
Hedonic Happiness	`Enjoying a delicious meal` `Watching a favorite show`	• Pleasure-based well-being focused on maximizing positive emotions and minimizing pain • often short-lived due to hedonic adaptation.
Eudaimonic Happiness	`Volunteering for a cause` `Developing a new skill`	• Meaning-based well-being derived from purpose, growth, and self-realization • more sustainable and linked to long-term flourishing.
PERMA Model	`P: Joy, E: Flow, R: Close friendships,` `M: Meaningful work, A: Goals achieved`	• Seligman's five elements of well-being: Positive emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, Accomplishment • comprehensive framework for flourishing.
Subjective Well-Being (SWB)	`Life satisfaction + positive affect` `− negative affect`	• Cognitive and affective evaluation of one's life • measured through self-report including life satisfaction and emotional balance.

Table 1: Core Models of Happiness

Model	Example	Description
Hedonic Happiness	`Enjoying a delicious meal` `Watching a favorite show`	• Pleasure-based well-being focused on maximizing positive emotions and minimizing pain • often short-lived due to hedonic adaptation.
Eudaimonic Happiness	`Volunteering for a cause` `Developing a new skill`	• Meaning-based well-being derived from purpose, growth, and self-realization • more sustainable and linked to long-term flourishing.
PERMA Model	`P: Joy, E: Flow, R: Close friendships,` `M: Meaningful work, A: Goals achieved`	• Seligman's five elements of well-being: Positive emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, Accomplishment • comprehensive framework for flourishing.
Subjective Well-Being (SWB)	`Life satisfaction + positive affect` `− negative affect`	• Cognitive and affective evaluation of one's life • measured through self-report including life satisfaction and emotional balance.