DO PREDICTORS OF HAPPINESS CHANGE WITH DISCIPLINE AMONG

COLLEGE STUDENTS?

ANNU PRIYA

Msc. Clinical Psychology (last year)

Christ (Deemed to be University), Delhi NCR

21annu.priya@gmail.com
 Abstract

The aim of the research was to examine the differences in happiness (dependent variable) and the

level of significance of grit, flow and meaning in life (independent variable) among three

disciplines, namely, medical, law, and business. The research used snowballing techniques to

collect information. Pearson’s correlation suggested a positive relationship between all the

selected variables. Regression analysis was done, which reflected that atleast one of the

independent variable is predicting happiness by .29%. ANOVA showed no difference in the

groups, except for flow. It can be concluded from the findings that, happiness and its predictors

are not different for different groups of college students, suggesting similar intervention plans

could work on all groups of college students to improve their mental health, which have been

degrading in the current age.

Keywords: comparative study, happiness, flow

Background

Happiness serves as a foundational element in an individual's life, enabling better resilience

against life's challenges and successful goal attainment. A content individual actively contributes

to society, impacting various life domains such as physical health, relationships, and career

success. Unfortunately, recent studies suggest an increasing percentage of individuals expressing

unhappiness in their lives (Helliwell et al., 2019).

Despite its subjective nature, happiness has been studied for centuries, with ancient Greek

philosophers, including Aristotle, proposing a combination of pleasurable moments as its

essence. Contemporary theories, such as the cognitive theory of happiness, emphasize the role of

human thought processes in shaping happiness perceptions, which can vary across cultures.
Extensively researched for its significance in leading a healthy and fulfilling life, happiness has

been subject to various predictors over the years. The current inquiry aims to ascertain whether

focusing on a single predictor is sufficient across diverse disciplines or if each field possesses its

distinct predictor. The predictors in the present research are, Grit, Meaning in Life and Flow.

The cognitive theory introduces the concept of grit, pioneered by Angela Duckworth, as a trait-

level personality indicative of an individual's capacity to sustain interest and perseverance toward

long-term goals. Duckworth et al. (2007) expand the concept beyond cognitive abilities to

encompass non-cognitive traits like creativity, emotional intelligence, and self-confidence.

Research underlines that individuals who remain focused on their goals, despite moderate

intelligence, often achieve success.

Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi's theory of flow, originating in the 1970s, proposes that happiness

arises not from a state of relaxation but from complete immersion in a task. Participants describe

it as going with the flow, a state involving the collaboration of affect, physiology, and cognition.

Another theorist, providing a connection between happiness and meaning in life, Viktor Frankl

emphasizes the pursuit of meaning as crucial for individual satisfaction and transcendence. The

failure to find meaning can lead to 'noogenic neurosis,' resulting in boredom and apathy.

Conversely, individuals who discover meaning lead fulfilling lives.

Such predictors of happiness are theorized by Martin Seligman. Dr. Martin Seligman's PERMA

model (1998) provides a theoretical framework for understanding happiness, comprising positive

emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning, and achievement. Research on the PERMA

model reveals positive associations with life satisfaction, job commitment, workplace

engagement, job satisfaction, and physical health (Kern, Adler, Waters, & White, 2014).
Statement of problem