Define Happy

9 months ago, it was reported that "Singapore is not only emotionless but unhappy (the unhappiest in the world) as well." 9 months later, an article headline goes "Singapore the happiest nation in Asia: UN study."

I was wondering: why is there such a great different? How do they rate happiness?

Many news media reported about the former one. (20 Dec 2012)
WASHINGTON - Singaporeans are the least positive people in the world, according to international pollster Gallup at least.

Residents of Singapore, which ranks fifth in the world in terms of GDP per capita, were the least likely to report positive emotions. 

In contrast, residents of Panama, which ranks 90th in the world with respect to GDP per capita, are among the most likely to report positive emotions. 

Higher income does not necessarily mean higher wellbeing, researchers said.

And here goes the subheading for the latter report "SINGAPORE - If Singaporeans have any reason to smile, it's because their nation has moved up three places to be the 30th happiest country in the world."

The report, by the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, looked at six areas to determine why people in a country or territory are happier than those in others. They are: gross domestic product (GDP) per capita; years of healthy life expectancy; having someone to count on in times of trouble; perceptions of corruption; prevalence of generosity; and freedom to make life choices.

Dr Ng Wei Ting, a senior lecturer of SIM University's psychology programme, said various studies have shown a person's perception of happiness is associated with a country's GDP, and this pattern has similarly been observed in Singapore. 

"The fulfilment of these psychological needs is not only crucial to one's life evaluation, but is also central to one's positive and negative feelings," said Dr Ng."For instance, nations that are high in social support score higher in life evaluation, and the importance of social support even extends beyond wealth."

It is obvious that both reports are about Singaporeans' Happiness, but they are discussed under different circumstances. "Happiness" itself is profound. We can view it from many perspective. So no one is lying. How do you define happiness?

Our perceptions affects our happiness. I truly wish that everyone is happy!

Source: SGAG