A study conducted by psychologists from the University of Florida and the University of Chicago has revealed a new component of a fulfilling life that has previously been ignored. In addition to the traditional ways - hedonic (the pursuit of pleasure) and eudaimonic (the search for meaning) - the researchers identified a third: 'psychological wealth'. This is reported by 'Glavcom' citing UF News.
Psychological wealth is a life filled with diverse, often complex and not always pleasant experiences that make a person think deeper and view the world in a new way. These can be significant events, such as moving to another country or traveling, as well as simpler, yet profound experiences like reading a novel or listening to music that strikes a chord.
Researchers claim that this third component is no less important than happiness and meaning. For example, attending university is not always a pleasant or meaningful process, but it fundamentally changes a person’s worldview. According to the scientists, an ideal life is a balance of all three components: happiness, meaning, and psychological wealth.
According to new research, psychological wealth, as a third component of a fulfilling life, actively influences a person's quality of life, complementing hedonic and eudaimonic aspects. It is important to find a balance among all these components to achieve an ideal life.