title: Happiness as a treatment goal.
abstract: Happiness is a concept reflecting general satisfaction with one's life and with oneself, not necessarily congruent with objective indicators. A most important ingredient is a positive self-image, depending, in turn, on positive perception of self as compared to one's peers and to the expectations of important figures in one's life. This requires understanding of personal strengths and constructive acceptance of limitations. Helping individuals develop subjective self-satisfaction should be the goal in any treatment program, achieved through direct therapeutic interventions as well as environmental supports (e.g., provision of opportunities for success). It is essential that service providers differentiate between their own values, goals, and administrative requirements and the individual's personal preferences and wishes.
authors.affiliation: Newton Centre, Massachusetts 02159, USA.
authors.forename: L S
authors.initials: LS
authors.lastname: Szymanski
mesh_terms: D006040:Goals; D006240:Happiness; D006801:Humans; D007207:Individuation; D019989:Persons with Intellectual Disabilities / Q000523:psychology*; D011613:Psychotherapy / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D011788:Quality of Life; D012649:Self Concept