Happiness in Action (Hia): From Conceptual Framework to Systemic Wellbeing Practice

Abstract The theoretical analysis conducted in this study indicates that existing models of subjective well-being remain largely fragmented and do not fully capture the dynamic interplay between an individual’s internal psychological state, external socio-environmental conditions, and purposeful activity through which well-being is developed and sustained over time. The study proposes a systems-based approach to subjective well-being, conceptualising happiness as a dynamic outcome of the continuous interaction between an individual’s internal state, socio-environmental context, and purposeful activity. Based on the findings, a two-component structure of subjective well-being was proposed, comprising internal harmony and external harmony, operationalised through 14 interrelated components. The analysis also identified a phenomenon of “selective perception”, whereby individuals tend to attach greater importance to those well-being factors they perceive as most personally relevant, while paying comparatively less attention to other important components. These findings suggest that educational approaches aimed at developing a more holistic understanding of well-being and increasing awareness of the interrelationships among its components may help reduce this effect. The findings further indicate the potential importance of combining long-term goals related to meaning and personal values with short-term positive emotional states in the development and maintenance of sustainable well-being. Drawing on the theoretical and empirical findings, the Happiness in Action (HIA) model was developed based on a two-component structure of subjective well-being. A distinctive feature of HIA is the Value Flow mechanism, conceptualised as a process through which individuals systematically assess their current state, identify priority areas for development, and undertake purposeful actions. This approach enables well-being to be understood as an evolving process rather than solely as a collection of discrete states or determinants. Importantly, the HIA model may support the identification of needs, the establishment of priorities, and the development of systematic approaches to maintaining and enhancing well-being at both individual and collective levels.