Abstract

RODRIGUEZ-ARANEDA, María José. Social representation of conditions for happiness and living experiences source of happiness in Chile and Italy. J. behav. health soc. ISSUES [online]. 2013, vol.5, n.2, pp.47-61. ISSN 2007-0780.  https://doi.org/10.5460/jbhsi.v5.2.42252.

The research is aimed at understanding and qualitatively describing the social representation of conditions for happiness and of living experiences source of happiness in the discourse of socializing agents in matters of well-being and quality of life. Whether these attributions are consistent with the findings of positive psychology was also analyzed. The study was non experimental, transversal, cross-cultural, and qualitative. The sample was non-probabilistic and included health and education students and professionals in Chile and Italy. Open-ended questions were applied to students of psychology, obstetrics and related fields of both sexes aged between 18 and 38 years. Focus groups were conducted with students and professionals of both sexes, including educators, psychologists and related professionals, aged between 22 and 67 years. People attributed happiness to external conditions (affection and personal freedom) and internal factors (psychological capital). The discourse balanced the presence of experiences of satisfaction by reception (passive role) and by realization (active role). The ranges of these experiences vary from individual to collective scopes. A common nucleus of social representation in both groups was identified, which included elements that positive psychology has linked with happiness. This information guides the training of professionals influencing the lifestyles of the population.

Keywords : Social representations; happiness; conditions and living experiences source of happiness; psychological capital; cross-cultural study.

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