The Signature Emotions of a Happy Life, a Meaningful Life, and a Psychologically Rich Life

Abstract In two studies, we examined the signature emotions of three aspects of a good life, using multiple data analytic techniques ranging from Lasso and Elastic net regressions to bootstrapping-based stability analyses of predictor selections to Bayesian Adaptive Sampling (BAS)-based posterior inclusion probability. In Study 1 ( N = 158), a happy life (measured by life satisfaction) was best captured by happiness, satisfaction, and the relative lack of regret and suffering. A meaningful life was characterized by hope and passion. A psychologically rich life was captured by passion, delight, grief, and lack of dejection. In Study 2 ( N = 435), a happy life was again best characterized by happiness, satisfaction, and lack of regret. A meaningful life was best captured by hope, passion, enjoyment, and the relative lack of unhappiness and hate. A psychologically rich life was signified by thrill, compassion, grief, and the relative lack of hate, unhappiness, and embarrassment. Across two studies, happiness, satisfaction, and the relative lack of regret were signature emotions of a happy life, whereas hope and passion were signature emotions of a meaningful life. Finally, delight/thrill and grief were signature emotions of a psychologically rich life. These distinct sets of signature emotions help advance our understanding of emotional experiences specific to happiness, meaning, and psychological richness.