Det finns starka belägg för att tacksamhet kan skapa välbefinnande genom att exempelvis öka självkänsla, verka stressreducerande och skapa hälsosamma vanor. Att föra tacksamhetsdagbok kan vara ett sätt att öva upp ett tacksamt förhållningssätt genom att dagligen reflektera över tacksamhetsämnen och anteckna dessa. Syftet med denna studie var att beskriva kvinnors upplevelser av att föra tacksamhetsdagbok samt synliggöra vad som väcker deras tacksamhet. För att besvara syftet användes kvalitativ metod. En veckolång internetbaserad intervention med 19 deltagare ägde rum och datainsamlingen skedde genom insamling av dagböcker samt öppna brev. Det insamlade materialet analyserades med latent innehållsanalys och presenteras utifrån ett huvudtema ”Medveten tacksamhet sätter guldkant på tillvaron och ger ökad livskvalitet” samt fyra subteman; (1) starkare relationen till sig själv med uppskattning som spegel, (2) reflektion lyser upp tillvaron och skapar sammanhang, (3) ökad närvaro sätter värde på stort och smått och (4) tacksamhet föder tacksamhet och skapar vardagslycka. Resultatet visar att tacksamhetsdagbok föder en positiv livssyn som skapar lycka och ger ökat värde till vardag och omgivning. Den ger grund för en starkare relation till både sig själv, sin omgivning och till livet i stort vilket skapar uppskattning och välbefinnande. Resultatet diskuteras i förhållande till hälsopromotiva teorier med fokus på praktisk användning av tacksamhetsdagboken som ett hälsopromotivt redskap för att främja psykisk hälsa och välbefinnande. / There is strong evidence that gratitude can create wellbeing; for example by increasing self-esteem, reduce stress and enable healthy habits. Keeping a gratitude journal may be a way of practicing a grateful approach by reflecting on, and writing down, things to be grateful for on a daily basis. The aim of this study was to describe women’s experiences with keeping a gratitude journal and to shine light on what they feel grateful for. To address the aim of the study, a qualitative method was used. A one week long internet based intervention with 19 participants took place and the data collection consisted of both the journals of the participants as well as open letters. The collected material was analyzed through a latent content analysis and resulted in the development of one main theme “gratitude brightens up your day and increases quality of life” and four sub-themes; (1) a stronger relationship to oneself through a mirror of appreciation, (2) reflection shines light on life and creates coherence, (3) increased presence adds value to big and small things and (4) gratitude feeds gratitude and creates everyday happiness. The result shows that keeping a gratitude journal helps form a stronger relationship to oneself as well as to one’s surroundings and to life as a whole, thereby creating appreciation and wellbeing. The result is discussed in relation to health promotion theories with a focus on practical usage of the gratitude journal as a health promotion tool to be used for the purpose of strengthening mental health and wellbeing.

<p>The aim the thesis was to investigate, the prevalence of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS). Moreover, we examine symptom severity and different levels of distress and describe how different symptoms from the lower urinary tract affect the self-assessed health, sadness, happiness and the quality of life in men. </p><p>The studies are based on two data collections. In the first data collection, all men aged 40 – 80 years (n=2571) living in the Swedish community received a postal questionnaire. Twelve months later, 504 men who had earlier reported LUTS and 504 who had not reported symptoms were asked to complete the DAN-PSS and the SF-36 questionnaires. </p><p>The overall prevalence of LUTS was 24%. Post-micturition dribbling (21%) was the most frequent symptom, and stress incontinence (2%) was the least frequent symptom. Urge incontinence, stress incontinence and “other” incontinence cause a high level of distress, even if the symptoms do not occur very often. Men experiencing mild, moderate or severe urge, stress or “other incontinence” had lower mean scores for all of the eight dimensions measured by the SF-36 than men without the same symptoms. Men experiencing a moderate/severe degree of weak stream or nocturia reported a poorer quality of life in all dimensions compared to men with a mild level of the same symptoms. The total burden of moderate/severe LUTS is related to self-assessed health, sadness and happiness. For each of the 12 specific LUTS, men with mild, moderate or severe symptoms had lower scores for self-assessed health and happiness, and higher scores for self-assessed sadness, than men without the same symptoms. </p><p>In conclusions, one of every four men reports LUTS. Urinary incontinence causes high level of distress even to men who experience this symptom rarely. LUTS have a negative impact on quality of life, health, sadness and happiness. </p>

The aim the thesis was to investigate, the prevalence of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS). Moreover, we examine symptom severity and different levels of distress and describe how different symptoms from the lower urinary tract affect the self-assessed health, sadness, happiness and the quality of life in men. The studies are based on two data collections. In the first data collection, all men aged 40 – 80 years (n=2571) living in the Swedish community received a postal questionnaire. Twelve months later, 504 men who had earlier reported LUTS and 504 who had not reported symptoms were asked to complete the DAN-PSS and the SF-36 questionnaires. The overall prevalence of LUTS was 24%. Post-micturition dribbling (21%) was the most frequent symptom, and stress incontinence (2%) was the least frequent symptom. Urge incontinence, stress incontinence and “other” incontinence cause a high level of distress, even if the symptoms do not occur very often. Men experiencing mild, moderate or severe urge, stress or “other incontinence” had lower mean scores for all of the eight dimensions measured by the SF-36 than men without the same symptoms. Men experiencing a moderate/severe degree of weak stream or nocturia reported a poorer quality of life in all dimensions compared to men with a mild level of the same symptoms. The total burden of moderate/severe LUTS is related to self-assessed health, sadness and happiness. For each of the 12 specific LUTS, men with mild, moderate or severe symptoms had lower scores for self-assessed health and happiness, and higher scores for self-assessed sadness, than men without the same symptoms. In conclusions, one of every four men reports LUTS. Urinary incontinence causes high level of distress even to men who experience this symptom rarely. LUTS have a negative impact on quality of life, health, sadness and happiness.

Stanislas de Boufflers (1738-1815), más conocido en su época como el caballero de Boufflers, es un escritor lorenés algo olvidado, perdido entre esa gran masa de autores que recorrieron el siglo XVIII francés. En estas páginas pretendemos presentar a este gran desconocido de la literatura francesa de finales del siglo XVIII y principios del XIX, al igual que analizar sus cuentos y sus nouvelles, ya que éstos constituyen un elemento imprescindible para comprender la personalidad de nuestro autor: por un lado tenemos La Reine de Golconde (1761), cuento libertino que refleja la mentalidad del joven Boufflers y que podríamos considerar como su obra maestra; y por otro lado, La Mode, conte (1807), L’Heureux accident, conte (1807), L’Œuvre de charité, nouvelle espagnole (1808), Tamara, ou Le lac des pénitents, nouvelle indienne (1810), Le Derviche, conte oriental (1810) y Ah! si..., nouvelle allemande (1810), cuentos morales escritos durante la primera década del siglo XIX, que exponen e ilustran claramente las convicciones conservadoras de Boufflers en los últimos años de su vida. / Stanislas de Boufflers (1738-1815), best known in his time as the chevalier de Boufflers, is a writer from Lorraine who has been, somehow, a little forgotten, lost among the huge mass of writers who belonged to the French eighteenth century. Along these pages, we try to present this great unknown of French literature of the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. Besides, his tales and short stories will be analysed, as they are an essential element to understand the personality of our author. On one hand, we have La Reine de Golconde (1761), licentious tale that reflects the mentality of the young Boufflers. It can be considered his masterpiece. On the other hand, La Mode, conte (1807), L’Heureux accident, conte (1807), L’Œuvre de charité, nouvelle espagnole (1808), Tamara, ou Le lac des pénitents, nouvelle indienne (1810), Le Derviche, conte oriental (1810) and Ah! si..., nouvelle allemande (1810). These moral tales, which were written during the first decade of the 19th century, show Boufflers’ conservative principles in his last years.

This paper aims to examine how and to what extent, a transition of Sweden according to the principles of Omställning Sverige (Transition towns Sweden), have the potential to contribute to a society with increased happiness. The paper is based on a qualitative textual analysis of the key texts in the Swedish Transition towns movement, Omställning Sverige. In the first part of the study the most important transition principles of Omställning Sverige were identified. Four key principles emerged: An altered view of economics, a spiritual change, a stronger local community and increased awareness. These transition principles were then analyzed through the lens of the scientific fields position on happiness, followed by a summarizing conclusion. The altered view of economics which Omställning Sverige advocates, where sustainability and quality of life are priorities over economic growth, is even necessary to secure our basic physiological needs. Such an economy has also improved conditions for economic stability, high employment and higher efficiency in the sense of happiness promoted in relationship to how many natural resources are used. The form of spiritual change that is highlighted represents a shift from a materialistic consumer culture towards a greater focus on altruism, fellowship and a stronger relationship with nature. Also this principle has the potential to promote human well-being because we feel good through empathetic behavior, strong social relationships, identifying with a larger natural world and because a consumer culture contributes to severe mental and social stress in the struggle for social status. Here, however, a deficiency in the Transition towns movement's message emerges. Omställning Sverige lacks a clear commitment to equality within society, which reduces the probability for the advocated mental shift to occur. The third transition principle, a stronger local community, also has the potential to make us happier because it promotes social cohesion and provides a secure foundation in life. However, there is no clear correlation between increased awareness of societal threats and happiness. Along with the increased awareness Omställning Sverige also advocates for a positive vision of the future, active citizenship and a belief in change. Such an approach has the potential to promote our happiness slightly. A positive vision for the future is also the best approach to promote active engagement to counter societal threats. In all the four aspects from which Omställning Sverige were analyzed, the advocated change has the potential to provide a happier society than if current policies were maintained. The main conclusion is therefore that an implementation of the Swedish Transition town movement's principles to a very high extent have the potential to contribute to a happier society. A recomendation to increase the emphasis on equality within the society is at the same time sent out to the transition towns  movement.

In this Study, the empiricist ethical system of Epicurus and idealist ethical system of Kant will be compared. Kant maintains that as Epicurus&rsquo / ethics regards morality as a means for the attainment of happiness, it is nothing but a self-love ethics. He, for this reason, calls Epicurean morality &ldquo / selfishness.&rdquo / According to Kant, the maxims of happiness can be known only through experience but he says, experience can never produce a law which is universal and necessary. He contends that as Epicurean ethics has happiness as its ultimate goal (i.e., the highest good), it cannot be able to produce an objective morality, valid for all rational beings. Kant, on the other hand, tries to found his ethical system on an a priori moral law of pure reason which borrows nothing from experience. This Study would, in a sense, be a defense of Epicurean ethical system against Kant&rsquo / s claims. The main argument of the thesis is that Epicurean ethics is not a self-love ethics, but rather a system which propounds happiness for all. I will be arguing that for Epicurus, one&rsquo / s own happiness is necessarily bound up with the happiness of others, and that his system is sound and consistent. I will also try to show that Kant is not successful in deducing a transcendentally ideal (a priori) law of reason and that his system has some inconsistencies.

This study analyzes and reports on the characteristics of writing-triggered peak experience and other positive human experiences and explores some possible factors that can bring about such moments. Three basic questions were explored: Can writing trigger peak experience and other positive human experiences? How are writing-triggered peak experience and other positive human experiences best described? What factors influence the occurrence of writing-triggered peak experience and other positive human experiences? Participants were asked to write about their happiest moment in writing. The sample consisted of 270 students enrolled in undergraduate writing classes at a major southwestern university. Of 270 participants, 119(44%) reported having had at least one peak experience or similar positive human experience as a result of writing. Protocols reporting peak experience and other positive human experiences in writing were analyzed for content, yielding a total of 14 descriptive attributes. The participants described their writing experiences as flow of the words, the process of writing is its own reward, peak performance, clarity, disappearance of negative states of mind, and enhanced sense of power and personal worth. Content analysis also yielded 13 possible triggers of peak experience and other positive human experiences including self-expression, realization, free writing, use of writing for introspection, and creative and inspirational writing. In addition, personal orientation was explored as a possible trigger of peak experience and other positive human experiences using a 16-item questionnaire. Factor analysis results yielded four factors: (1) aesthetic creative expressive writing, (2) writing as a thinking and problem solving tool (3) self-discovery, and (4) not interested in writing. Factor one accounted for the highest variance (37%). The common elements in this factor were expressive writing, self-related writing and creative poetic writing with poetic and creative writing having the highest loading.

Given the importance of entrepreneurship to individuals and to society, and given that the individual has come to be seen as not only an important function of social and economic processes but also as an important end of these processes, the link between entrepreneurship and well-being requires further investigation. To that end, this thesis provides a solid framework for understanding and measuring well-being in entrepreneurship, and a comprehensive theoretical and empirical examination of the intimate relationship between these two phenomena. Some new and very interesting results were produced: • Active engagement in the creation of new business activities leads to greater well-being by granting the freedom to self-organize work and working relationships, which satisfies individual’s needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness. • Entrepreneurial engagement is detrimental to mental health during its early inception in planning and deliberation, which may explain why many fail to transition from thought to action in entrepreneurship. • The presence of a discrepancy between extrinsic life goals and motives is just as strong a predictor of well-being in entrepreneurship as the presence of strong intrinsic life goals and motives. • Entrepreneurial Well-Being, a context-specific state of mental wellness derived from engagement in entrepreneurship, uniquely contributes to entrepreneurs’ overall well-being and is associated with a range of cognitive and motivational processes crucial to entrepreneurship. The reasons for these findings, and the mechanisms involved, are explained at length. My hope is that this work will usher on the adoption of a more integrated approach to assessing and optimizing entrepreneurial performance in terms of both business outcomes and mental health outcomes, as well as offer insights relevant to well-being and its promotion on a more general level. / <p>Diss. Stockholm : Handelshögskolan i Stockholm, 2015</p>

Consumers acquire products to enhance their lives, but the happiness from these acquisitions generally decreases with the passage of time. This process of hedonic adaptation plays an integral role in post-acquisition consumer satisfaction, product disposal and replacement behavior, and the "hedonic treadmill" that partially drives the relationship between consumption and happiness. Humans are social animals, however, and we know little about the relationship between the social environment and hedonic adaptation. My dissertation addresses this gap by exploring the moderating role of social presence (Essay 1) and self-concepts (Essay 2) on hedonic adaptation to products. Essay 1 explores how social presence affects hedonic adaptation to products. Research on general happiness has shown that significantly positive life events tend to maintain their positivity for longer periods of time when they involve active social interactions. I examine a more common situation in the domain of product consumption, i.e., the presence of others during consumption, and test whether hedonic adaptation to products is moderated by public contexts. By tracking happiness with products over time, I show that a "social audience" (i.e., the presence of others and the perception that those others notice the consumer) moderates hedonic adaptation through a consumer's inference of the social audience perspective. Inferring that the social audience is admiring one's product slows down adaptation, and inferring that the social audience is negatively viewing one's product accelerates adaptation. Essay 2 explores the role the identity-relevance of a product plays in hedonic adaptation. Extant research illustrates that consumers avoid consuming identity-inconsistent products in order to avoid dissonance arising from product choices conflicting with important self-concepts. I show that dissonance can also arise from consuming identity-consistent products because of the force of hedonic adaptation. I provide evidence that consumers feel uncomfortable experiencing declining happiness with identity-consistent products and thus resist hedonic adaptation to such products in order to resolve the dissonance. / text

The non-profit sector is one that is of great importance as it responds to the needs of society, and hence gives support to various social and economic endeavours. Particularly, residential child care work is a response to the ever increasing number of children who are orphaned, abandoned, neglected and affected by the HIV/Aids pandemic. Residential child care workers provide institutional care to such children. The role of a child care worker is one that is reported to be highly pressured and involves many challenges which have the potential of impacting on the quality of care that is provided by the care giver to the children. In light of the increasing research done on the area of happiness within the workplace which shows that happiness contributes to overall organisational success and helps employees cope with challenges this study explored this construct among residential child care workers; a research area which remains under researched. The aim of the study was to explore the subjective experiences of happiness among residential child care workers using positive psychology as a conceptual framework. The study sought to gain an understanding of the perceptions and experiences of happiness among residential child care workers through Seligman’s (2002) framework of achieving happiness through pleasure, engagement and meaning. The exploration of the subjective experiences of happiness among residential child care workers was done through the use of Fredrickson’s (1998) Broaden and Build Theory. The study used a qualitative research design and residential child care workers were interviewed on their perceptions and experiences of happiness. The findings suggested that, even through the challenges that the residential child care workers faced, there was still an overall sense of happiness that the care givers experienced in relation to their work. This was generally as a result of the nature of their work and their alignment to the overall mission of the children’s home. The findings suggested also that it was through the orientations of pleasure and meaning that the greatest happiness was experienced. This experience of general happiness in their work made the residential child care workers feel as though they could deal with challenges and also contributed positively to their role as child care givers. The findings of the study contribute to the increasing body of knowledge in the area of happiness and the experiences of residential child care workers. The findings can also help managers and directors of children’s homes know which aspects to encourage and cultivate in their employees for the experience of happiness and positive work relations and experiences. This can ultimately contribute positively to overall success of orphanages and children’s homes, and also to the quality of care that is given to children. / Thesis (M.Soc.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2012.