An Empirical Evaluation of Factors leading to Happiness

Happiness is a multidimensional concept with strong predisposition for qualitative dimensions-emotional well-being, good life, generosity, freedom from suffering, health, sustainability etc. Its measurement also requires interdisciplinary orientation. International organizations and academia are envisioning several permutations and combinations of subjective and objective indicators to assess happiness. There has been an evolution of methods, surveys and indices to measure happiness since the late 20th century. Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness index has been suggestive of qualitative ramifications of economic development. It is being preferred over Gross National Product as it imbibes diverse dimensions for human welfare, peace and sustainability. The present paper seeks to illuminate happiness as a multidimensional concept and further explore its major dimensions through a primary study of 114 respondents using Google forms. 32 factors leading to happiness were drawn from this Gross National Happiness index and Exploratory Factor Analysis was done. Eight factors were found to be significant: personal life; environmental conditions; self-esteem; professional attributes; cultural traits; physical fitness; spiritual aspect and institutional factors.

Keywords

Happiness; Interdisciplinary; Gross National Happiness Index; Well-being

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