Multidimensional Happiness Test

Connection is the phenomenon of experiencing deep and meaningful bonds with others, through which you care about others and are also profoundly cared for by others in turn. People who score high on Connection usually have supportive relationships that make them feel valued and loved. Having healthy relationships is crucial to happiness since, as human beings, we are inherently social creatures. Genuinely connecting with others results in positive emotions for us such as security, peace, and joy. Moreover, studies have shown that being in satisfying relationships is related to higher self-esteem, a greater facility for empathy, better physical health, and a longer life expectancy.

Mastery is the sense of excellence in skill, ability, or competence. A core source of human motivation and positive pride is being secure in the knowledge that one has expertise in certain areas. As individuals, it is important for us to feel that we are competent and that our contributions and skills are valuable for us to feel happy in life. If we achieve Mastery by developing our abilities, we are motivated to share and participate, and this contributes to a high level of happiness and well-being.

Progress is the sense that one has advanced toward desirable goals as well as bettered one’s skillset. People who have a vivid sense of progress feel happier and more satisfied with their lives. In a way, a sense of progress functions cyclically. Happy people tend to have more positive emotions, which help drive them to undertake goal-directed behaviors; accomplishing these goals elicits new positive emotions, which in turn drive them to undertake new constructive goals and self-developments.

Autonomy is the sense that one has free choice, is one’s own master, and feels in control of one’s life. Being free in this way also means the liberty to act in harmony with one’s authentic self, which is another element that typically makes people happy. People with high Autonomy scores feel that they are free to make their own choices, and they do not feel significant restrictions regarding how they manage their time, accomplish things, or actualize their potential. As human beings, we do not like to be coerced, as we feel that what we do of our own volition is much more conducive to happiness.

Purpose is the sense that one’s actions and presence in life really matter. People who experience a sense of purpose tend to be less sullen or stressed since they are reminded of the value of what they do in their lives by connecting their actions to their sense of purpose. They have a clear vision of the importance of their actions, which keeps them anchored and motivated. Experiencing a sense of purpose is fundamental to happiness since it makes us feel valued and important. It also makes us less self-centered, as we tend to feel that we are contributing to something bigger than ourselves.

Pleasure is gained from frequently and consistently engaging in the things that give one pleasure. The sensation of pleasure contributes to happiness with immediate boosts of joy such as from, for example, enjoying one’s favorite food, watching a good movie or TV show, listening to music that one adores, playing an exciting game, or engaging in other similar enjoyable pastimes. Pleasure may also extend to self-care, such as a woman having her nails done. In any case, pleasure is defined as immediate joys that one engages in for oneself.

Enhancement is the development and healthy use of our unique strengths and skills as human beings, especially when used as a means to unlock material security and abundance for ourselves and our loved ones. People who score high on Enhancement utilize their signature strengths almost every day in ways that bring gratification and prosperity to their lives and demonstrate to themselves that they are valuable, thus nourishing their confidence, self-esteem, and happiness.

Meaning is the deep sense of fulfillment we experience when we employ our signature strengths and skills with an aim that is bigger than the well-being of ourselves and our loved ones. Whereas enhancement can be thought of as the individualistic (or social circle oriented) approach to happiness where we take of ourselves and our loved ones, Meaning is the genuinely altruistic, societal approach where we downplay our individuality and contribute to a greater cause.