Obstacles Hindering Contentment: An Examination
In the realm of psychology, renowned US psychologist Steven C. Hayes, the co-founder of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), has been shedding light on the complexities of achieving happiness. Based in the University of Nevada, Reno, Hayes writes extensively about this topic, advocating for a new approach to happiness that doesn't involve trying to eliminate or control difficult thoughts and feelings.
ACT, in its essence, encourages a change in the way we relate to our emotions. Instead of struggling against or avoiding uncomfortable emotions, people learn to make room for these experiences while committing to actions aligned with their core values. This approach allows individuals to live a meaningful life even in the presence of pain or distress.
One of the common "traps" that ACT addresses is emotional avoidance. Trying to suppress or avoid painful feelings often backfires, increasing distress rather than reducing it. ACT calls this experiential avoidance, and it is likened to pushing a beach ball underwater—it inevitably surfaces with more force.
Another trap is clinging to happiness. Rigidly demanding or clinging to constant positive emotions can paradoxically diminish joy and lead to decreased well-being over time. ACT promotes seeking happiness through meaningful engagement and value-driven behavior rather than chasing transient positive moods.
Instead of pursuing happiness as a direct goal, ACT emphasizes psychological flexibility—the ability to be present with whatever comes up internally while persistently acting in ways that reflect what truly matters to the person. This promotes a fuller, richer life that includes discomfort as a natural part rather than something to escape or fight.
In a study conducted by Hayes and his colleagues, two strategies for seeking and experiencing happiness were observed: experiential attachment (trying to hold onto positive feelings) and positivity prioritizing (consciously seeking positive experiences). Clinging to positive feelings is problematic and dysfunctional, as it can lead to losing sight of the purpose of emotions and the meaning of positive emotions.
Positive emotions, such as pleasure, inspiration, gratitude, love, awe, interest, pride, joy, calmness, and hope, contribute to our well-being. According to Hayes, positive emotions are valuable because they pass, and we should seek, create, and enjoy them, then let them go. Constantly trying to avoid or suppress negative emotions often unintentionally strengthens them.
In ACT, a key aspect is accepting negative feelings, letting go, and using that energy to act consciously and committedly in line with one’s values. Hayes advises doing something loving to feel more love, creating something beautiful to see more beauty, and trying to catch a happy moment and let it pass.
In summary, ACT does not avoid happiness or positive experiences but regards them as natural by-products of living according to one’s values, not as states to force or cling to. It encourages acceptance of inner experiences and committed action to create a meaningful life beyond transient emotional states.
Meanwhile, in Hamm, news updates include the commencement of work on noise protection walls at A2 and the city going digital with passport photos. As life continues to unfold, the pursuit of happiness remains a universal quest, and ACT offers a unique approach to navigating this journey.
Science reveals that mental health plays a crucial role in overall health-and-wellness. In accordance with Act’s philosophy, happiness is not achieved by chasing positive emotions or avoiding negative ones, but by establishing psychological flexibility to accept and act upon internal experiences with a commitment to one’s values.
