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Mature Happiness and Global Wellbeing in Difficult Times

Mature Happiness and Global Wellbeing in Difficult Times

Paul T. P. Wong, Victoria Bowers
Copyright: © 2019 |Pages: 23
ISBN13: 9781522559184|ISBN10: 1522559183|ISBN13 Softcover: 9781522588399|EISBN13: 9781522559191
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-5225-5918-4.ch006
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MLA

Wong, Paul T. P., and Victoria Bowers. "Mature Happiness and Global Wellbeing in Difficult Times." Scientific Concepts Behind Happiness, Kindness, and Empathy in Contemporary Society, edited by Nava R. Silton, IGI Global, 2019, pp. 112-134. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-5225-5918-4.ch006

APA

Wong, P. T. & Bowers, V. (2019). Mature Happiness and Global Wellbeing in Difficult Times. In N. Silton (Ed.), Scientific Concepts Behind Happiness, Kindness, and Empathy in Contemporary Society (pp. 112-134). IGI Global. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-5225-5918-4.ch006

Chicago

Wong, Paul T. P., and Victoria Bowers. "Mature Happiness and Global Wellbeing in Difficult Times." In Scientific Concepts Behind Happiness, Kindness, and Empathy in Contemporary Society, edited by Nava R. Silton, 112-134. Hershey, PA: IGI Global, 2019. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-5225-5918-4.ch006

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Abstract

The starting point in the wellbeing research of this chapter is that life is full of suffering, just as the living environment is full of bacteria, viruses, and toxins. Therefore, a realistic strategy to research sustainable happiness needs to include at least two components: (1) the capacity to overcome or live with suffering and stress, as measured by a comprehensive misery index, and (2) the process to achieve mature happiness and flourishing despite the dark side of human existence. This two-pronged approach is based on the second wave of positive psychology (PP 2.0). At the broadest level, wellbeing research needs to be situated in the context of universal human suffering, while a middle level of theorizing needs to specify the special circumstances and people. Furthermore, a complete theory needs to integrate the best evidence and wisdom from both the East and West. Mature or noetic happiness is characterized by a sense of acceptance, inner serenity, harmony, contentment, and being at peace with oneself, others, and the world.

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