Behavioral Grooves Podcast The Happiness Secret You’ve Been Missing | Shige Oishi
Jul 28, 2025
Shige Oishi, a psychologist and professor known for his research on subjective well-being, dives into the three dimensions of a fulfilling life: happiness, meaning, and psychological richness. He discusses the 'happiness trap' and stresses the importance of appreciating everyday joys over chasing fleeting happiness. Delving into how personality traits and cultural contexts shape our understanding of a good life, Oishi encourages deep self-reflection, challenging conventional notions of success. His insights offer a refreshing roadmap to deeper fulfillment.
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Happiness vs. Meaning Worldwide
- Happiness (hedonic) and meaning (eudaimonic) are correlated but distinct dimensions.
- Globally, richer countries report more happiness but less meaning, and poorer countries show the opposite trend.
Discovery of Psychological Richness
- After 20 years of happiness and meaning research, Shige Oishi felt something was missing in his own fulfilled life.
- This led him to discover a third dimension: psychological richness, involving diverse, perspective-changing experiences.
Escape the Happiness Trap
- Avoid equating happiness strictly with personal success to prevent anxiety and dissatisfaction.
- Occasionally embrace psychological richness to counteract the trap of seeking only comfort and satisfaction.
