What Is The Subjective Happiness Scale?

Happiness is what people want most. However, due to its ambiguity, it is difficult to establish a concrete definition and design instruments to evaluate it effectively. Nevertheless, the subjective happiness scale (SHS) fulfills this goal through a simple process.

From the beginning of the study of psychology, the general interest has centered around the pathological and negative aspects of human behavior. Fortunately, social scientists are beginning to pay more attention to the study of strengths and abilities in a way that focuses on happiness as a social construct.

What is happiness?

Happiness can be described as a state of contentment, joy and well-being. It is positively related to various physical, psychological and social aspects of human life.

Thus, it seems that happy people enjoy better physical health and a stronger immune system. In addition, they have better success records in several areas of life, including work, financial achievement, marriage and social life.

It may seem like a one-way street: Achieving things makes people happy. However, this phenomenon works in both directions.

Happy people make better decisions and have a more adaptive interpretation of reality. They respond in a more functional way to daily experiences and recover faster after mistakes. In other words, their special way of thinking and acting drives them towards success.

Another important thing to keep in mind is that happiness means something different to each person. Other instruments designed to evaluate this construction have attempted to measure concrete aspects, perhaps overlooking a more relevant reality: That happiness is subjective.

This is why the subjective happiness scale (SHS) has a more adjusted vision, as it takes into account each individual’s perception.

Happiness does not consist in the systematic achievement of achievements. There are those who “have it all” and do not feel happy. On the other hand, other people are able to find happiness even in the most difficult times.

The subjective happiness scale (SHS)

Based on this assumption, the scale we examine today measures each individual’s subjective perception of well-being. To do this, it uses a simple structure with four questions. Respondents rate their emotions on a scale of 1 to 7.

• How happy do you feel in general? Choose answers between 1 (very unhappy) and 7 (very happy).
• Compared to most of your peers, how happy do you consider yourself? Choose answers between 1 (very unhappy) and 7 (very happy).

• Some people are very happy in general. They enjoy life no matter what happens and find something positive in every situation. To what extent does this characterization describe you? Answer by selecting an answer from 1 (not at all) to 7 (completely).
• Some people are not so happy. Even if they are not depressed, they never seem to be as happy as they could be. To what extent does this characterization describe you? Answer by selecting an answer from 1 (completely) to 7 (not at all).

To calculate the result, simply add the four points and then divide the number by four. The result is your current level of subjective happiness. Average points in the general population vary according to gender, age and other personal characteristics. However, it tends to fluctuate between 4.5 and 5.5.

The benefits of the subjective happiness scale (SHS)

Populations of different ages, genders and cultures have used this instrument, as it is a reliable measure of subjective happiness. The reliability and validity of the scales make it a simple and useful tool for determining perceived well-being.

In addition, it appears that the points obtained from this scale correlate with other important characteristics, such as optimism and extroversion. People with these traits are more likely to achieve higher points of happiness. Thus, if your scores on this scale are low, you can try to change focus. Remember that happiness is subjective !