Happiness is a Biopsychosocial Phenomenon

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Introduction

Is happiness or subjective well-being just an occurrence, or does this observable circumstance have accountabilities beyond what is experienced by the person who perceives feeling happy? We all desire to be happy, but how is this achieved and sustained? Are there predetermining factors that play a role, such as our genetic make-up? The following essay will explore subjective well-being in general, as this is considered to be synonymous with happiness. An explanation will be given of both the model of architecture of sustainable happiness, and a clear definition of the biopsychosocial model. Throughout the essay, examples from the SKD228 module will be given as evidence of support with possible links to biological factors. The essay will conclude on whether or not the architecture of sustainable happiness is compatible with the biopsychosocial model or not. (133)

Subjective well-being

Our time spent is made up of 5% individual circumstantial contributions such as relationships, financial status, employment etc. Life experiences contribute 10% to our well-being levels. Human beings adapt to circumstances and to life events. (Boniwell and Rostron, 2010, 134) Subjective report on well being is not only about how one feels as regards to life satisfaction, but also self perception. (Boniwell and Rostron, 2010, p134) During our lifetime we have both positive and negative life experiences that effect our happiness and the hedonic adaptation theory of life satisfaction suggests that we will return to our baseline very shortly after one of these events. Huppert suggested that good health and over all subjective well-being is associated with positive emotions, by limiting and restraining negative emotions. (Huppert et al,...

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... in two interacting regions of the brain. (Toates, 2013, p34)

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Conclusion

In conclusion, although these are two different perspectives attempt to understand the concept of human well-being and happiness in general; one can argue that the biopsychosocial could be more scientific bringing in a more in-depth biological aspect. In principle, the two perspectives are compatible, in that they base well-being on contributing different factors and a change in one of these factors has a consequence. In the biopsychosocial model, the biological, psychological and social factors are interdependent and a change in one can have a massive effect on your well-being and happiness. In the architecture of sustainable happiness, you have your baseline genetic levels, life events but then also your intentional activity which can increase your well-being and happiness.

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