Happiness and Self-Reflection: Insights from the Oxford Happiness Questionnaire
After completing the Oxford Happiness Questionnaire, my score was approximately 3.72,
placing me in the "moderately happy" category. This score suggests that while I generally
experience happiness, there are still areas of my life where I could improve my overall
wellbeing.
Agreement with the Score:
I find myself somewhat in agreement with this score. Based on my reflections and the life
circumstances I am navigating, this score seems to capture my current state of mind. While I do
experience moments of happiness and satisfaction, there are also challenges that I am facing,
which may be affecting my overall sense of wellbeing. For instance, the moderate level of
happiness aligns with my awareness of the financial difficulties my family is facing due to the
military coup, as well as the disruption in education that many youths in Myanmar, including
myself, have experienced.
Impact on My Perception of Happiness:
This assessment has caused me to think more critically about my happiness. The score indicates
that while I am not unhappy, I am also not fully content, which reflects some of the struggles I
have been dealing with. The fact that I scored moderately suggests that there are aspects of my
life that may be detracting from my overall happiness, such as my concerns about the future, the
need to improve my skills as a developer, and the desire to make a positive impact on the people
of Myanmar. Recognizing this has made me consider what specific areas I could focus on to
improve my happiness, such as finding more joy in daily activities or spending more time on
selfcare.
Motivation for Change:
Taking this test has motivated me to think about changes I could make in my life to increase my
happiness. For example, I recognize the importance of balancing my efforts to become a frontend
developer with activities that bring me immediate pleasure, such as spending time with family or
engaging in hobbies. Additionally, I am inspired to focus more on gratitude and mindfulness
practices, as research shows these can significantly enhance wellbeing (Lyubomirsky, Sheldon,
& Schkade, 2005). Implementing these practices might help me find more contentment in my
daily life, despite the external challenges I face.
Reflection on the Three Elements of Happiness:
The textbook describes happiness as comprising three elements: the pleasant life, the good life,
and the meaningful life (Seligman, 2002). Reflecting on these elements, I believe that I might be
lacking in the "pleasant life" aspect. While I am dedicated to living a "good life" by pursuing
meaningful work and striving to achieve my goals, I sometimes overlook simple pleasures that
contribute to day-today happiness. This may be because I am so focused on long-term goals,
such as becoming an expert in software development and helping others in Myanmar, that I
neglect to enjoy the smaller, more immediate joys in life.
Exploring Happiness Research and Exercises:
Exploring the research linked on the Oxford Happiness Questionnaire website, I found several
studies aimed at improving happiness. One exercise that particularly resonated with me is
practicing mindfulness meditation, which has been shown to reduce stress and increase overall
wellbeing (KabatZinn, 2003). Incorporating mindfulness into my daily routine could help me
become more present and appreciative of the positive aspects of my life, thus enhancing my
overall sense of happiness.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Oxford Happiness Questionnaire provided valuable insights into my current
state of happiness. While the score of 3.72 suggests that I am moderately happy, it also
highlighted areas where I could improve my wellbeing. By making small but meaningful
changes, such as practicing gratitude, embracing mindfulness, and finding more immediate
pleasures in daily life, I believe I can enhance my overall happiness. Reflecting on the three
elements of happiness, I realize that while I am committed to leading a meaningful and good life,
I could benefit from incorporating more pleasant experiences into my daily routine. Ultimately,
this exercise reinforced the idea that happiness is a dynamic and multifaceted state, influenced by
our actions, attitudes, and choices.
References
KabatZinn, J. (2003). Mindfulnessbased interventions in context: Past, present, and future.
Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 10(2), 144156.
Lyubomirsky, S., Sheldon, K. M., & Schkade, D. (2005). Pursuing happiness: The architecture
of sustainable change. Review of General Psychology, 9(2), 111131.
Seligman, M. E. P. (2002). Authentic happiness: Using the new positive psychology to realize
your potential for lasting fulfillment. Free Press.
