A specific, measurable way of understanding well-being allows researchers to quantify an abstract concept for study. It involves outlining the procedures or measures used to assess an individual’s subjective sense of contentment. For example, one researcher might define it by tracking the number of smiles recorded per day, while another may use a standardized questionnaire measuring life satisfaction on a numerical scale. The key is to translate the intangible feeling into something observable and quantifiable.
This type of definition is vital for rigorous scientific investigation. It permits replicable studies across different populations and time periods. It also facilitates a comparison of results from different studies examining similar, but subtly different, facets of positive affect. Historically, philosophers and thinkers have pondered the nature of human fulfillment. Employing a measurable construct permits empirical testing of theories related to contributors to a flourishing life and can inform interventions designed to promote well-being.
