Results of the previous research showed that happiness was primarily defined as a condition of psychological balance and harmony among the different life domains; family and social relations were prominently associated with happiness and meaningfulness. Pythagoras’s philosophy of numbers and the Stoics’ ideal of evenness of judgment and detachment were the first conceptualisation of harmony. Plato’s definition of the just man relies on the balance between reason, spirit and appetites, and Epicuris’ s concept of ataraxia (freedom from worries and anxiety). The qualitative evaluation of the definition of happiness allowed us to detect a previously overlooked dimension, namely harmony/balance. This dimension refers to an even and peaceful attitude in dealing This result contradicts Aristotle’s definition of eudaimonia as the fulfilment of one’s most profound nature in harmony with the collective welfare.
The quantitative analyses highlighted the relationship between happiness, meaningfulness, and satisfaction with life and each component’s different and complementary contributions to well-being. These studies refer to a definition of happiness that comprises meaning, self-actualisation and personal growth—at the individual level (Ryff 1989)
and commitment to socially shared goals and values—at the social level (Massimini and Delle Fave 2000). Nevertheless, the pursuit of dreams and the search for meaning in life events, interpersonal relationships and daily activities characterise human beings as cultural animals (Baumeister 2005). These human features are components of theories and constructs such as psychological well-being (Ryff 1989), personal expressiveness (Waterman et al. 2008), sense of coherence (Antonovsky 1987), self-determination (Ryan and Deci 2000, 2001), and psychological selection (Csikszentmihalyi and Massimini 1985).
Life events and circumstances can be pleasant or unpleasant, and they can play their role in achieving a balance between different needs, commitments and aspirations. It finds its roots in both Asian and also a Western traditions.
We explore the circumstances which can influence the well-being of individuals closely.
- Personal growth and motivation – self-actualisation, the meaning of life, personal development or spiritual insight, these expressions are also part of the quality of life. Many thinkers see this point from different perspectives.
- Personal relationships – our roles and relationships affect the quality of life. We can be part of a romantic couple or belong to a family or a specific community. There can be many options on how relationships can influence our well-being.
- Education – it is not only learning and getting knowledge or skills. The education process is also an emotional influence that we can not ignore in our review. How education works can contribute to a higher quality of life, but it can also worsen it.
- Influence of media – media is powerful, and no one doubts that. It changes our opinions, desires and needs more than we admit. We want to discover how is the quality of life connected with media and its content.
- Selection of a living place – we can choose where to live. We can stay at the same place where we were born or move closer or further. The moving includes a certain degree of activity and also a risk. But we can choose to stay or to leave for a better life.
- Influence of society and social system – the society with its rules and arrangements is an essential factor that influences our perception of events or circumstances and defines our quality of life.