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Journal of Happiness Studies
Published in: Journal of Happiness Studies 2/2014

01-04-2014 | Review Article

Eastern Conceptualizations of Happiness: Fundamental Differences with Western Views

Author: Mohsen Joshanloo

Published in: Journal of Happiness Studies | Issue 2/2014

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Abstract

The purpose of this review is to compare and contrast western and eastern conceptualizations of happiness and optimal functioning. Towards this end, accounts of happiness and optimal functioning provided in western philosophy and scientific psychology are compared with those in some eastern schools of thought (namely, Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, and Sufism). Six fundamental differences in western and eastern conceptualizations of the good life are identified and discussed in the context of broader psychological theory. It is hoped that this theoretical analysis will stimulate more culturally informed research among happiness researchers.
previous article When Less is More: A Short Version of the Personal Optimism Scale and the Self-Efficacy Optimism Scale

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Footnotes
1
It should be noted that some perspectives in Hinduism speak of an ultimate distinction between humankind and the Divine, and instead of unity they believe in an absolute devotion to and reliance on the Divine (Narayanan 2004).
 
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Metadata
Title
Eastern Conceptualizations of Happiness: Fundamental Differences with Western Views
Author
Mohsen Joshanloo
Publication date
01-04-2014
Publisher
Springer Netherlands
Published in
Journal of Happiness Studies / Issue 2/2014
Print ISSN: 1389-4978
Electronic ISSN: 1573-7780
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10902-013-9431-1

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