Scientists have proposed a new path to a good life

“We asked ourselves the question: why do some people feel dissatisfied, even having a happy and meaningful life? It turned out that they lack precisely the psychological intensity of events that make them look at everything differently,” explains Westgate.

Such a life can include traveling, moments of crisis, reading complex literature, encountering art or disasters — anything that causes cognitive restructuring, expands the scope of perception and satisfies cognitive needs. These experiences are often accompanied by discomfort, but at the same time contribute to personal growth.

In experiments, Westgate’s team analyzed how people experience hurricanes. Although the experience was traumatic, many participants described it as a turning point that changed their worldview. It is confirmed that even negative experiences can enhance subjective well-being if they are intense and meaningful at the level of consciousness.

The idea of psychological wealth does not negate the importance of happiness or meaning, but complements them. Research shows that some people around the world tend to prefer this third path, even if they have to sacrifice comfort or clarity for it.

“Interesting experiences are not always pleasant. But they are the ones that make us more flexible, deep—thinking, and able to see the world from different angles,” Westgate emphasizes.

Thus, psychological wealth offers a new framework for understanding well-being. This is a life in which not only joy and meaning are important, but also depth of perception.