Conceptualizations of Happiness Among University Youth in Uzbekistan

Happiness levels in Central Asia are high despite poor economic conditions. These patterns differ from those of other transition countries in the former Soviet Union and Central and Eastern Europe, presenting an intriguing research puzzle. However, previous transition happiness studies have overlooked happiness conceptions and cultural differences. Therefore, this study explores the cultural conception of happiness widely shared among university youth in Uzbekistan, employing a mixed-methods approach that includes text mining of open-ended survey responses. Participants were asked to define happiness and report their happiness levels through a questionnaire survey. Consequently, this study identifies latent themes in happiness conceptions, including Islamic-oriented, eudaimonic-oriented, peace-oriented, and family-oriented topics. This suggests that Islamic ideas, low-arousal positive states, and relationship orientations are crucial components of the cultural conception of happiness. Conversely, some individuals have Western-oriented concepts, particularly personal orientations of eudaimonia. However, participants with Islamic and relationship-oriented concepts tend to express higher happiness levels, highlighting the significance of harmonizing cultural and personal happiness conceptions. Furthermore, a psychological tendency toward contentment with one’s present life circumstances may contribute to higher happiness levels. These findings imply that the conception of happiness shaped by Uzbekistan’s sociocultural context is associated with its distinctive levels and predictors of happiness.