Happiness, the subjectivity of being happy (emphasis is placed on the use of this definition throughout the article) is, today, often related to the consumption of material goods. However, the subjectivity of being happy (SBH) is an attitude and a consequence. It is a subjective concept, appearing in the scientific literature associated to subjective well-being that highlights the perception of happiness, life satisfaction and the positive relationship of balance between emotions and is difficult to measure, although in the last years different instruments have been validated to interpret scientific findings. Positivity emerges as a protective factor for the adolescent’s healthy development, being associated with self-esteem, satisfaction with life, optimism, subjective happiness and self-efficacy. Positive humor appears to be associated with happiness as mediators of the relation of interpersonal and social aspects to health, even though other factors may influence it, such as social support, physical exercise, work, optimism and education.
The complexity of developmental processes in adolescence is reflected in its stages: early, middle and late adolescence, progressively providing the individual with the assimilation of physical, intellectual and social experiences that will allow them to establish a new identity and new patterns of relationships to set goals and commitments.
In adolescence, the opportunity to obtain and consolidate healthy lifestyles arises, which means being an adolescent/young person with good physical and mental conditions, a positive image of oneself, self-efficacy and self-determination. Each person’s resources, vulnerabilities, social context, peer groups and family condition the meaning given by adolescents/young people (the young term here is understood as synonym of adolescent) to their lifestyle(1). This is a noticeable interconnection if associated with the Human Ecology Theory.
Are there more happy or more unhappy people in this world?
People feel that they lack somewhere and that is why they are not as happy as the other person. Companies are selling “happiness” by way of material things or services like that beautiful clothing or that bag or that dessert or that jewellery or perfume or that exclusive holiday which will make you happy. Motivational speakers are telling people that they just have to work a bit more harder, push more and believe in themselves and their dreams to become super rich, super lucky and fulfil their desires.
Happiness is that elusive maiden who peeps through the clouds and runs away with big promises leaving you high and dry.
Mario Cesare Messina, III C
