Towards happiness interventions: construct clarification and intervention methodologies

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the main streams of research on happiness, the approaches/models flowing from these philosophies and the methodology of happiness interventions. A systematic review was performed outlining the authors, the purpose of the research, the nature of the sample/setting, the method utilised and the key findings. Peer-reviewed articles published between 1950 and 2013, written in English/Afrikaans, and which examined the concepts of happiness were analysed. The results showed three causes for failing interventions: (a) unidimensional models/ approaches towards happiness, (b) targeting the concept of happiness instead of mediating factors; and (c) fragmented methodological interventions. The results support the need for a multidimensional model of happiness. Interventions focusing on psychological processes and utilising multi-facet methodologies should be developed and implemented to promote happiness. This study contributes to the existing literature by providing an integrative framework for positive psychological interventions directed at happiness.