Eudaimonic happiness refers to well-being that focuses on meaning, purpose, and self-realization (i.e., "I feel that life is very rewarding"). Hedonic happiness refers to well-being in terms of attaining pleasure and avoiding pain (i.e., "I often experience joy and elation"). A number of emotional outcomes of PPIs fall into both eudaimonic and hedonic categories. 

University of Illinois at Chicago

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A set of instructions, activities, and strategies that aim to uplift one's wellbeing, boost positive feelings, cognitions, and behaviors. PPI's typically focus on savoring, gratitude, promoting positive interpersonal relationships, kindness, and pursuing hope and meaning. 

Positive Psychology Interventions (PPIs)

These are feelings like happiness, contentment, or interest.  They can actually calm down autonomic arousal ("fight or flight" responses), signal safety, and prompt people to engage socially and with their physical environment.  

Positive Emotions


 Moskowitz, J. T., Cheung, E. O., Freedman, M., Fernando, C., Zhang, M. W., Huffman, J. C., & Addington, E. L. (2021). Measuring Positive Emotion Outcomes in Positive Psychology Interventions: A Literature Review. Emotion Review., 13(1), 60–73. https://doi.org/10.1177/1754073920950811

Measuring Positive Emotion Outcomes in Positive Psychology Interventions: A Literature Review

Despite individuals receiving successful treatments of psychopathology, low levels of wellbeing may linger in individuals, which can become a significant risk factor for more psychological distress. Incorporating PPIs into one's treatment can be greatly beneficial as it acts as a buffer against psychological symptomatology, as well as turn these strategies into positive daily habits and preventing future relapse for formerly depressed individuals.

PPIs are needed even after successful treatments of psychopathology

Eudaimonic vs. Hedonic Happiness 

Based on a meta-analysis that investigated a number of studies utilizing PPIs with their participants, the combined results of several studies revealed that PPIs can significantly enhance one's wellbeing and are effective for treating depressive symptoms. Moreover, the effect sizes of the combined studies were medium-sized, signifying that PPIs work well. 

Effectiveness of Positive Psychology Interventions on wellbeing and depression symptomatology 

In addition to learning how to cope with negatives, positive psychology intervention strategies are utilized in order to increase wellbeing and benefit from appreciating and attending to life's positive attributes. PPI strategies include but are not limited to writing gratitude letters, practicing optimistic thinking, revisiting positive experiences/situations, engaging in enjoyable activities, and socializing. 

Positive psychology interventions strategies utilized by individuals

Positive emotions expand people's attention, cognition, and behaviors, which leads to the buildup of physical, intellectual, and social resources that can promote resilience.

The Broaden and Build Theory of Positive Emotions

- Decreased risk of disease
- Improved immune system function
- Increased longevity
- Success at work and in social relationships

Benefits of Positive Emotions

The emotion of happiness is often seen as a beneficial positive emotion. However, heightened levels of happiness have been linked to several negative outcomes:

- Reduced creativity compared to moderate happiness levels.
- Increased propensity to overlook threats.
- Increased engagement in risk-taking behaviors, such as binge eating, alcohol consumption, and drug use.
- Higher likelihood of experiencing mood relapse over time.

Drawbacks of The Positive Emotion Happiness

-PET images of adult subjects asked to reexperience episodes of happiness showed increased activity in the right posterior cingulate cortex and left insula,  as well as decreased activity in the left anterior cingulate cortex.

The Happiness Pathway

- Nurturant Love
- Attachment Love
- Romantic Love
- Sympathy
- Tenderness
- Joy/Cheerfulness
- Excitement
- Enjoyment
- Engagement
- Euphoria
- Fascination
- Awe
- Hope
- Altruism
- Interest
- Amazement
- Admiration
- Affection
- Enthusiasm
- Eagerness
- Amusement
- Contentment
- Happiness
- Confidence
- Authentic Pride
- Hubristic Pride
- Surprise
- Inspiration
- Elevation
- Gratitude
- Relief 
- Calmness/Serenity/Peace/Tranquility

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