Can happiness be measured?

Abstract

In the process of realizing the Sustainable Development Goals, the measurement of happiness has unique significance and value, which helps the government departments to avoid paying attention to economic development at the cost of subjective psychological feelings when formulating the coordinated social development of society. Happiness indicators can reflect the public's wishes and psychological state, and monitor the psychological state of society. At the same time, happiness indicators can complement economic indicators and provide a comprehensive measure of quality of life. However, each of these measures cannot claim to be accurate. We should not blindly believe these cold statistics. Fortunately, scientists have been constantly developing tools for qualitative and quantitative measurements to get closer to the 'truth about happiness'. Standing on the shoulders of these "giants", happiness is becoming clear and transparent. In this study, I will demonstrate that well-being can be measured from the concept of happiness, from the perspective of measurement direction, and highlight that well-being measurement is an essential tool to help address the sustainability challenges.