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Was Hercules Happy? Some Answers from a Functional Model of Human Well-being

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Abstract

The article proposes a functional approach as a framework for the analysis of human well-being. The model posits that the adaptive role of hedonic feelings is to regulate stability and homeostasis in human systems, and that these feelings basically are created in states of equilibrium or assimilation. To regulate change and growth, a distinct set of feelings exists, which may be labeled eudaimonic feelings. Eudaimonic feelings are produced to motivate behavior in challenging environments, when a quick return to equilibrium is dysfunctional, or when accommodation of cognitive structures is needed for a stimulus or event to be perceived as meaningful. It was hypothesized that a trait-like concern for evaluation of outcomes in terms of goodness or badness, referred to as hedonic orientation, will moderate the relation between equilibrium/assimilation and hedonic feelings. The model also includes the concept of eudaimonic orientation, reflecting a stable tendency to get involved in challenging activities and to create and strive after demanding goals. It was hypothesized that a eudaimonic, and not a hedonic, orientation moderates hedonic feelings in challenging episodes. Three different studies gave empirical support to the model.

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Notes

  1. The fable of Hercules exists in many versions (Grayling 2007). The one described here is adapted from Xenophon and retrieved from http://www.rickwalton.com/folktale/holid064.htm.

  2. We are, of course, well aware of arguments against the view of affective bipolarity, such as those presented by Cacioppo et al. (1997) or Schimmack (2008). We nevertheless allay with arguments in favor of the bipolar approach (e.g., Barrett et al. 2007; Kahneman 1999; Russell and Carroll 1999).

  3. Briefly, the folk high schools offer two-semester courses to their students in which they enjoy the freedom to work with topics and questions staff and students feel relevant to study. There is no set curriculum and there are no formal examinations in the system. The schools are open to everyone. Usually the minimum age for admission is 17 years.

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  1. Department of Psychology, University of Tromsø, 9037, Tromsø, Norway

    Joar Vittersø, Yngvil Søholt, Audun Hetland & Irina Alekseeva Thoresen

  2. Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway

    Espen Røysamb

  3. Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway

    Espen Røysamb

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Vittersø, J., Søholt, Y., Hetland, A. et al. Was Hercules Happy? Some Answers from a Functional Model of Human Well-being. Soc Indic Res 95, 1–18 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11205-009-9447-4

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