Seeking Understanding on the Issue of Happiness: A Hermeneutic Literature Review

Date
2017
Authors
Petersen, Matthew
Supervisor
Emmens, Joanne
Item type
Dissertation
Degree name
Master of Psychotherapy
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Auckland University of Technology
Abstract

The body of literature relating to human happiness is historically rich and is gaining increasing relevance in the current healthcare environment. Although the term happiness is commonly used in society this dissertation illustrates the complexities of happiness, highlighting its associations with what are understood as desirable states of being, as well as social constructs which appear more related to suffering than well-being. Five key areas are looked at, these are: conceptions of happiness, “unhelpful happiness”, longer term happiness, short term happiness and barriers to happiness. A hermeneutic methodology is adopted providing personal reflections to develop further understanding and provide considerations for psychotherapists.

Description
Keywords
Happiness , Psychotherapy , Understanding happiness , Hermeneutic Literature Review
Source
DOI
Publisher's version
Rights statement