May 11, 2026

Many experts describe happiness as a complex state that can include contentment, joy, satisfaction, and a sense of purpose. Psychologists often define it as a mix of positive emotions and overall life satisfaction.

I have found in my research that there are three main differing views on happiness:

• Positive psychology views happiness as a blend of pleasure, engagement (flow), and meaning.
• Philosophers such as Aristotle proposed the “golden mean” as a balance between deficiency and excess.
• Researchers suggest that happiness is a conscious state of mind related to the neocortex, whereas joy is more visceral, subconscious feeling related to the limbic system.

Jeremy Sutton, Ph.D. wrote that, before he became a psychologist, he studied philosophy.  He was fascinated by two tricky and often times frustrating questions: What is our purpose, and what is happiness?

“Over the years,”  wrote Sutton, “as part of my practical application of psychology, my focus has repeatedly been drawn to understanding and answering the latter. Despite chasing happiness personally and professionally, it seems as difficult to hold on to as running water.”

Did you know that fifty percent of your happiness is determined by your genes?

“Much of our mood balance and personality maybe genetic,” stated Arthur Brooks, author of The Happiness Files.  “But, that doesn’t mean we’re powerless. What truly shapes our happiness are the choices we make.”  

Here is a concurring opinion by Dr. Laura Gabayan, MD, MS:

“The brain plays a crucial role in how we experience happiness. Research has indicated that certain areas of the brain light up when we feel joy. For example, the release of serotonin and endorphins can boost our mood. Understanding these processes helps us see that happiness can be influenced by our actions.” 

Researcher and author Brene Brown has studied happiness. She has offered valuable information on happiness. Brown’s research distinguishes the state of happiness from joy and contentment. Brown described happiness as a feeling of pleasure often related to the immediate environment or current circumstances.

Happiness matters, because it is closely linked to our psychological and physical well-being. Your mental health plays a big role in how happy you feel as such conditions like depression and anxiety can make it hard to feel happy no matter what you do, wrote Gabayan.

There are plenty of circumstances and situations where choosing to be happy is not always realistic, wrote Hannah Owens, LMSW.

If someone were to say to me “look on the bright side,” or “you can choose your emotions”, they would be very wrong. This is more harmful and hurtful than they can imagine. I have experienced depression and anxiety. I know from experience that when I have depression I cannot choose to be happy. I have learned that I feel what I feel, choose to react or act on those feelings for better or worse.

Over the last decade particularly, my younger son has severe anxiety, depression, and adjustment to change. He recently told me that there are times when he cannot manage his reaction to his feelings. Not being able to do that makes him feel unsure of himself. This weighs heavily on him, putting more pressure on him to be or act in a way that he doesn’t have the means or energy to do so.

There are definitely strong opinions on the topic of happiness. Many of us have clear desire for happiness as it is a basic psychological need, wrote Sutton. That is the paradox added Sutton.

Research suggests if we endlessly pursue happiness, it can cause frustration and dissatisfaction. Quite the opposite of what many people want or desire.

Recent research by cognitive psychologists shows the importance of the prefrontal cortex for regulating emotions, the amygdala for managing stress and other emotional responses, and the hippocampus for storing positive memories, noted Sutton.

According to Positive Psychology.com graphic, there is a neurochemistry of happiness:

• Serotonin is the mood stabilizer: walking in nature, exercising, healthy diet.
• Oxytocin is the love hormone: hugging, playing with pets, intimacy/pleasure.
• Dopamine is the chemical reward: completing a task, celebrating little wins, self-care.
• Endorphin is the painkiller: Watch a comedy, create art, eat dark chocolate.
• What is happiness? It is difficult to explain as happiness looks different to different people.

Happiness is different for different people, wrote Owens. How each individual defines happiness depends on the culture that we were raised in.

For example, in the more individualist focused Western cultures like the United States, we may strive for wealth and all that it brings to us. Yet, in more community oriented or collectivistic cultures in Eastern cultures, they prioritize family connections and working towards shared goals.

I can understand how we define happiness, its elusive nature, our genes, mindset, and mental health can determine if we seek and find happiness, feel happiness, and maintain happiness can be such a paradox.

Resources

Image by azerbaijan_stockers retrieved https://www.magnific.com/free-photo/young-sportive-woman-sport-outfits-holding-smiling-tongue-out-emoji-pillows_10111854.htm

Brooks, Arthur. “7 Habits that Lead to Happiness in Old Age.” Office Hours podcast. Retrieved on 5/10/2026 from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ckzw9Bb3GaM

Brooks, Arthur C. Happiness Files. Insights on Work and Life. Harvard Business Revie Press. ©2025

Gabayan, MD, MS, Laura. “Is Happiness a Choice?” 9/18/2024. Retrieved on 5/10/2026 from https://lauragabayan.com/dr-g-words-of-wisdom/is-happiness-a-choice/

Hall, Tamron and Arthur C. Brooks, Ph.D. guest. “How do you define Happiness? An Expert Unpacks the Science Behind it.” The Tamron Hall show. 11/4/2024. Video. Retrieved on 5/4/2026 from Retrieved on 5/4/2026 from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXIBHVdOeTY&t=178s

Owens, LMSW, Hannah. “Why ‘Happiness is a Choice’ Is a BS Concept. Resilience and Happiness are Not the Same Thing.” 12/23/2025. Retrieved on 5/10/2026 from https://www.verywellmind.com/is-happiness-really-a-choice-8722216

Sutton, Ph.D., Jeremy. “What is Happiness? Understanding the Happiness Paradox.” Originally posted on 12/10/2024. Updated on 12/18/2025. Retrieved on 5/9/2026 from What is Happiness? Understanding the Happiness Paradox