Individual differences in lay conceptions of a happy, meaningful, and psychologically rich life

This study examines individual differences in how individuals evaluate lives described as happy, meaningful, or psychologically rich, and how these life ideals relate to judgments of a “good life.” The present research investigates whether systematic variation in lay evaluations reflects stable trait-linked orientations. Results show that a happy life is evaluated as emotionally comfortable and relationally grounded, characterized by feeling good, valuing close relationships, and preferring stability, and security. A meaningful life is evaluated as future-oriented and purpose-driven, marked by striving, societal contribution, and long-term goals, consistent with conscientious and prosocial orientations. In contrast, a psychologically rich life is evaluated as emphasizing novelty, exploration, and creativity, aligning with openness to experience and extraversion. Across evaluations, happy and meaningful lives are judged as more prototypical of a good life than psychologically rich lives. These findings suggest that individual differences in personality and motivation shape how people attribute value to different kinds of lives, rather than how they define well-being per se.