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Contentment and Self-acceptance: Wellbeing Beyond Happiness

Author

Listed:
  • Daniel T. Cordaro

    (The Contentment Foundation)

  • Yang Bai

    (Peking University)

  • Christina M. Bradley

    (The Contentment Foundation)

  • Franklyn Zhu

    (Yale University)

  • Rachel Han

    (Yale University)

  • Dacher Keltner

    (University of California)

  • Arasteh Gatchpazian

    (University of Toronto)

  • Yitong Zhao

    (University of Toronto)

Abstract

Contentment is an emotion felt when the present situation is perceived to be complete as it is. Six studies are presented showing the difference between contentment and other positive emotions, documenting contentment’s unique relationship with self-acceptance, and exploring the positive associations between contentment and wellbeing. First, we demonstrated that contentment is perceived as different from happiness and other positive emotions using an emotion concept mapping methodology (Study 1), a dimensional analysis (Study 2), and a free-response narrative analysis (Study 3). We then demonstrated that both trait (Study 4 and 5) and state levels (Study 6) of contentment are associated with a sense of self-acceptance, and further related to increased wellbeing. We conclude that contentment is a unique positive emotion that is central to wellbeing and life satisfaction, and we discuss important implications for future research.

Suggested Citation

  • Daniel T. Cordaro & Yang Bai & Christina M. Bradley & Franklyn Zhu & Rachel Han & Dacher Keltner & Arasteh Gatchpazian & Yitong Zhao, 2024. "Contentment and Self-acceptance: Wellbeing Beyond Happiness," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 25(1), pages 1-35, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jhappi:v:25:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1007_s10902-024-00729-8
    DOI: 10.1007/s10902-024-00729-8
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Edward Deci & Richard Ryan, 2008. "Hedonia, eudaimonia, and well-being: an introduction," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 9(1), pages 1-11, January.
    2. Jack J. Bauer & Kiersten J. Weatherbie, 2023. "The Quiet Ego and Human Flourishing," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 24(8), pages 2499-2530, December.
    3. Jackson, Tim, 2002. "Evolutionary psychology in ecological economics: consilience, consumption and contentment," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 41(2), pages 289-303, May.
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    Cited by:

    1. Wang, Mingsheng & Yang, Yongzhong & Zhong, Peichi, 2025. "How does AI affect the self-actualization of content creators in dynamic environments? A knowledge management perspective," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 81(C).

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