The psychology of lasting happiness : a phenomenological approach

Abstract

The research topic is the phenomenon of happiness. Since development could augment such an experience, making such an investigation too wide and open for its scope, it was decided to narrow it down to one developmental stage, namely that of young adulthood. Thus, the research question is: -How do young adults perceive and describe their experience of happiness? Six co-researcher participated in this study, three males and three females, all above 18 and younger than 40. A literature-based, self-designed semi-structured interview facilitated the collection of data. Consequently, the qualitative records were verbatim transcribed and analysed through an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). From this analysis, these seven essences emerged: Attunement, Contentment, Escapism and Freedom, Flourishing, Intimacy, Resilience, and Self-love. The conclusions are that happiness' essence resides in the experience of positive emotions, having a meaningful life, alongside having strong social relationships, self-esteem, and a resilient personality. Significantly, for young adults happiness relates mostly to the themes of Flourishing and Intimacy.