Happiness and Well-being in Development Policy
In recent years, happiness and well-being have become central themes in global development discussions. Recognizing that traditional metrics, such as GDP, are insufficient to fully gauge quality of life, the United Nations (UN) adopted a landmark resolution in 2011, titled “Happiness: Towards a Holistic Definition of Development.” This initiative encouraged nations to incorporate happiness measurements as a foundation for shaping public policy [1]. Following this, the 2012 UN High-Level Meeting on “Well-being and Happiness” underscored the need for a new economic paradigm that integrates well-being into both global and national agendas [2].
Bhutan serves as a pioneering model in this approach, where happiness has been a core development metric since 1972. The then-King Jigme Singye Wangchuck famously declared that “Gross National Happiness is more important than Gross National Product” [3]. Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness (GNH) Index has since inspired the creation of “Happiness Indices” worldwide, emphasizing the necessity for policies that prioritize mental and emotional well-being over material wealth.
Why Focus on Well-being and Happiness?
The global rise in mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, and suicide rates, has intensified the need to prioritize well-being in public policy. Traditional indicators, such as GDP, crime rates, and education levels, often provide a robust picture of material conditions but fall short in addressing overall quality of life. Studies indicate that more than half of the world’s population—around 3.3 billion people—experiences low levels of happiness [4]. Additionally, approximately 792 million individuals globally live with mental health disorders, constituting about 10.7% of the population [5].
The repercussions of mental health challenges extend beyond individual well-being, impacting productivity and life expectancy. Depression and anxiety alone cost the global economy roughly $1 trillion annually in lost productivity, a figure projected to increase by 2030 [6]. Further, in low- and middle-income countries, around 76-85% of individuals with mental health conditions receive no treatment, underscoring the urgent need for accessible mental health services [7].
The Evolution of Well-being
Historically, the concept of well-being was associated with “happiness” and “pleasure,” as understood in ancient Greek philosophy. Over time, this notion evolved towards enlightenment as a reflection of personal growth and fulfillment. With advancements in scientific understanding, well-being became a measurable construct, now researched across multiple disciplines, from psychology and sociology to economics and urban planning [8].
Subjective well-being, or an individual’s personal assessment of happiness and satisfaction, has emerged as a significant focal point. It encompasses positive emotions, minimal negative emotions, and high life satisfaction, highlighting the internal experiences that contribute to a fulfilling life [9].
Mental Health, Mental Well-being, and Mental Illness: An Interdependent Continuum
Mental well-being represents more than the absence of mental illness; it embodies a sense of balance, resilience, and life satisfaction. Good mental health enables individuals to function optimally, maintain meaningful relationships, and contribute positively to society. Conversely, poor mental health impedes daily functioning and limits potential. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines mental health as a “state of well-being in which every individual realizes his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community” [10].
Mental disorders, however, refer to conditions affecting cognitive, emotional, and behavioural well-being. Left untreated, these can result in persistent limitations, impacting an individual’s ability to participate in social, educational, and occupational domains [11]. Depression, for instance, is among the most prevalent mental health issues and is particularly common in older adults [12].
A critical aspect of mental health is brain health, which encompasses the capacity to remember, learn, plan, and maintain positive social relationships. Ensuring brain health is essential for sustaining a positive mental state and overall well-being. Mental health, brain health, and well-being are interconnected, contributing collectively to an individual’s quality of life [13]. Although well-being and quality of life (QOL) are often used interchangeably, some researchers argue that well-being emphasizes the conditions necessary for individuals to thrive, while QOL focuses on factors such as prosperity, health, happiness, and community resilience. Well-being, therefore, serves as a gauge of societal progress and a key objective for policy-making aimed at fostering human flourishing [15].
Understanding happiness and well-being as multidimensional concepts reveals their importance not only at the individual level but also as markers of societal advancement. As evidence grows on the significance of mental health, urban planners, policymakers, and community leaders face the imperative to create environments that enhance mental and emotional well-being. By incorporating well-being into city planning and public policy, we move closer to an inclusive future that prioritizes the mental, emotional, and social needs of individuals, contributing to both personal and collective happiness.
References
[1] UNITED NATIONS, “Policy Brief: COVID-19 and the Need for Action on Mental Health,” World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland, pp. 3–10, 2020.
[2] UNITED NATIONS, “Happiness: Towards a Holistic Definition of Development,” General Assembly, Resolution, 2012.
[3] F. Harley, “The City Wellbeing Index: How Happy are the World’s Leading Cities?” Knight Frank, 2020.
[4] P. White, “Happiness and the Measurement of Well-being: A Global Perspective,” 2007.
[5] H. Ritchie, “Mental Health Disorders – Our World in Data,” 2018.
[6] The Lancet Global Health, “The Economic Impact of Mental Health: Productivity Loss Due to Depression and Anxiety,” 2020.
[7] World Health Organization, “Mental health: A state of well-being,” 2019.
[8] V. Huta, “An Overview of Hedonic and Eudaimonic Well-being Concepts,” The Routledge Handbook of Media Use and Well-being: International Perspectives on Theory and Research on Positive Media Effects, pp. 14-33, 2016.
[9] E. L. Deci and R. M. Ryan, “Hedonia, Eudaimonia, and Well-being: An Introduction,” Journal of Happiness Studies, vol. 9, no. 1, pp. 1-11, 2008.
[10] World Health Organization, “Mental health: A state of well-being,” 2011.
[11] H. Herman, “Promoting Mental Health,” The SAGE Handbook of Mental Health and Illness, pp. 405-429, 2011.
[12] D. G. Blazer, “Depression in Late Life: Review and Commentary,” Focus, vol. 7, no. 1, pp. 118-136, 2009.
[13] Marans et al., Handbook of Quality of Life Research: Place and Space Perspectives, Edward Elgar Publishing.
[14] V. Huta, “Well-being and its Influence on Human Flourishing,” 2016.
[15] R. W. Marans, “Quality of Life: A Sociological Perspective on Well-being,” Edward Elgar Publishing.