Beyond pleasure and purpose: The state of being theory of happiness

This article introduces the state of being theory of happiness, a humanistic framework thatdefines happiness as an intrinsic condition of inner connection and coherence that is presentbeneath thoughts, emotions, and experiences. It builds upon the growing consensus amongresearchers that happiness reflects a unitive and holistic phenomenon. The theory is groundedin a mixed-method study of 497 survey responses across a broad, global demographic and 18in-depth interviews of individuals reporting high levels of happiness. High degrees ofcorrelation were found between happiness and qualities associated with self-transcendence,including presence, a felt unity with life, and emotional equilibrium. Qualitative datasupported these findings, with participants frequently describing happiness as a feeling orsense of contentment, connection, and alignment with life, expressed as feelings of peace andjoy. The theory proposes that happiness arises when ego-based striving diminishes, andindividuals reconnect with an expanded sense of self, a broader, more inclusive identitymarked by inner coherence, felt connection, and reduced identification with the ego. It buildson existing psychological models by illuminating the inner, experiential structure ofpsychological well-being. It has important implications for psychological theory, clinicalpractice, and well-being research.