Our studies indicated that life satisfaction is associated with achievements that a person attains and can change over time—such as a promotion, academic degree, new car, or home. In contrast, happiness is an internal state derived from one’s sense of meaning in life and positive emotional experiences.
We found that very few people are happy but not satisfied. However, more than one-third of people report high satisfaction with life but do not feel happy. Socio-demographic factors affect life satisfaction and happiness only at the extremes. For example, money contributes to wellbeing only when a person lacks enough to meet basic needs. Beyond that, financial status has little impact on happiness.
Family, relationships, and faith all positively contribute to both satisfaction and happiness.
In attempting to improve satisfaction with life and happiness, we identified five essential pathways:
- Cognitive pathway – setting goals and developing self-efficacy
- Pathway of reducing negative emotions
- Pathway of increasing positive emotions
- Pathway of building social connections and support
- Pathway of physical functioning – managing pain and physical limitations
This research-based model forms the foundation of our behavior change and resilience development program – HAPPYMOLE
Users have reported significant improvements in their happiness levels because of engaging with the program.
Orkibi & Ronen (2017). Basic Psychological Needs Satisfaction Mediates
the Association between Self-Control Skills and Subjective Well-
Being. Frontiers in Psychology, 8 1-10.
Orkibi, Hamama, Gabriel-Fried & Ronen. (2015). Pathways to
adolescents’ flourishing: Linking self-control skills and positivity
ratio through social support. Youth & Society, 50, 1-23
Ronen, Hamama, Rosenbaum & Mishely-Yarlp (2014). Subjective well-
being in adolescence: The role of self-control, social support,
age, gender, and familial crisis. Journal of Happiness Studies, 17
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