Self-perceived happiness and its relationship with emotional intelligence, spiritual experience, altruism, and PERMA profile in a sample of Colombian university students

Abstract

Introduction: Considering the increase in mental health problems in the young population, it is very important to focus attention on understanding the phenomenon of self-perceived happiness and the factors associated with it. Objective: To investigate self-perceived happiness in a sample of university students and their relationship with emotional intelligence, daily spiritual experience, altruistic values and behaviors and PERMA profile. Method: This was a quantitative, nonexperimental, correlative-scope, cross-sectional study with a sample of 165 students from three Colombian universities, with an average age of M 25.6 (DT 3.8). The Lima Happiness Scale, Emotional Intelligence Self-Assessment Test, Daily Spiritual Experience Scale, and Altruistic Values and Altruistic Behaviors Scale were used as instruments. Results: The results indicate certain deficiencies in the aspects of self-perceived happiness, PERMA profile, and emotional intelligence in the study sample, as well as a slight orientation toward altruistic values and infrequent altruistic behavior, and a low interest towards daily spiritual experience. Self-perceived happiness correlated positively with emotional intelligence, PERMA profile and altruistic values and behaviors. Correlation with daily spiritual experience was not identified. Discussion and Conclusions: The importance of guiding the integral development of university students, especially in the socio-emotional aspects and soft skills, and promoting awareness and reflection on transcendental values in life beyond immediate and superficial consumption is raised.