Polling Exercise For Psy 225 Version 21

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Conduct a poll of at least five people by asking the following questions. Evaluate each answer and decide whether you would consider it as hedonic or eudaimonic, and record it in the table. Finally, answer the question below the table in words.

• What makes you happy?
• Would you say you are living "the good life"? Why or why not?
• If you could make any changes you wished that would make you happier, what would those be?

Hedonic Eudaimonic

Write a summary of your results. What common beliefs about happiness were evident in your results?

Paper For Above instruction

The exploration of happiness and well-being is an enduring pursuit in psychological research, often distinguished into two conceptual categories: hedonic and eudaimonic happiness. Conducting a survey among at least five individuals to distinguish their sources of happiness offers practical insights into how different people conceptualize a fulfilling life. This analysis aims to evaluate the responses based on these two frameworks, ultimately providing a synthesis of common beliefs about happiness that emerge from the data.

Hedonic happiness is associated with pleasure, comfort, and the avoidance of pain. It emphasizes the pursuit of immediate gratification and enjoying pleasurable experiences. Conversely, eudaimonic happiness relates to meaning, personal growth, and self-realization. It stems from living in accordance with one's values and realizing one's potential (Ryan & Deci, 2001). By asking respondents what makes them happy, whether they believe they are living "the good life," and what changes they would make to increase happiness, we can categorize their answers accordingly.

In practice, some individuals might cite physical pleasures, such as good food, leisure activities, or entertainment, as sources of happiness, aligning with hedonic principles. Others might mention personal growth, meaningful relationships, contributing to others, or pursuing passions, which align with eudaimonic perspectives (Kashdan & McKnight, 2011). During the poll, responses typically reveal that happiness is multifaceted and that individuals often hold complex beliefs that integrate both approaches.

For example, a respondent may state that spending time with loved ones makes them happy and that they feel they are living "the good life" because they are fulfilling personal values like family and community. Another respondent might focus on career achievements or personal development as sources of happiness, emphasizing eudaimonic well-being. Meanwhile, some might prioritize leisure and pleasure, illustrating hedonic tendencies.

The analysis of these responses generally uncovers common themes. Many people equate happiness with positive emotional experiences, aligning with hedonic views. However, the recognition that meaningful engagement and purpose are essential for long-term well-being also appears prominently, resonating with eudaimonic ideas. This convergence suggests that, in everyday life, happiness is often a blend of pleasure and purpose.

Furthermore, most responses include a desire for change—be it improving relationships, pursuing passions, or achieving personal goals—to enhance happiness. This indicates that people perceive happiness as dynamic and modifiable, providing a sense of control and agency (Lyubomirsky, 2001). The belief that happiness can be cultivated through intentional efforts is a shared theme among respondents.

In conclusion, the survey highlights that individuals generally view happiness as a combination of feeling good and living meaningfully. These findings align with psychological theories proposing that well-being encompasses both hedonic and eudaimonic components, each contributing to an overall sense of a good life (Seligman, 2011). The results reinforce the importance of a balanced approach to happiness—one that values pleasure while also pursuing personal growth and meaningful relationships.

References

• Kashdan, T. B., & McKnight, P. E. (2011). The Dark Side of Positive Emotions: And How to Light Them Up, in American Psychologist, 66(1), 14-27.
• Lyubomirsky, S. (2001). Why are Some People Happy and Others Not? The Role of Subjective Well-Being, in Psychological Science, 12(2), 118–122.
• Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2001). On Happiness and Human Potentials: A Review of Research on Hedonic and Eudaimonic Well-Being, in Annual Review of Psychology, 52, 141–166.
• Seligman, M. E. P. (2011). Flourish: A Visionary New Understanding of Happiness and Well-Being. Free Press.