Have you got the 'golden triangle' of happiness? New study finds that a good relationship, financial security and sense of purpose are the key to being happy

  • The research was conducted by Deakin University for Australian Unity 
  • The report said the golden triangle of happiness is important for wellbeing
  • Financial security, positive relationships and a sense of purpose are key 
  • There is a direct link between increased income and happiness
  • People who earn less than $100,000 need less money to see a positive shift
  • Positive relationships do not need to be romantic but solid friendships 

By Lauren Grounsell For Daily Mail Australia

Published: 20:20 EST, 19 October 2015 | Updated: 20:25 EST, 19 October 2015

The pursuit of happiness can seem never ending.

But the key to a lifetime of bliss could be as simple as having good relationships, financial security and a sense of purpose.

Australian Unity has released their 2015 Wellbeing of Australians Report in conjunction with Melbourne's Deakin University, and said to have a positive sense of wellbeing people needed these three core elements, suitably dubbed the ‘golden triangle of happiness’.

Finding happiness: The key to a happy life is financial security, good relationship and sense of purpose

Finding happiness: The key to a happy life is financial security, good relationship and sense of purpose

The golden triangle: The three elements are together known as the golden triangle of happiness

The golden triangle: The three elements are together known as the golden triangle of happiness

The elements - strong personal relationships, financial control and a sense of purpose - are insufficient in isolation.

To find happiness, the report said a person should balance all three in their everyday lives.

Deakin University emeritus professor Robert Cummins told The Huffington Post it was most important to maintain good relationships, because: ‘People on low incomes can have normal levels of happiness provided that their relationships and purpose in life are strongly positive’.

Special bond: Reliable relationships that allow you to share your fears and successes are important for happiness

Special bond: Reliable relationships that allow you to share your fears and successes are important for happiness

Infinite love: Married couples consistently showed the highest level of wellbeing

Infinite love: Married couples consistently showed the highest level of wellbeing

The report said meaningful relationships did not have to be romantic, but instead one that was reliable and allowed you to share your fears and successes.

The key to sustaining happiness is to nurture your relationships, with married couples consistently showing the highest levels of wellbeing.

People who are separated, divorces or have never married sit below the standard levels of wellbeing, but a person’s age plays a factor, with older widows and younger singles happier.

Financially stable: There is a direct link between increased income and happiness, especially for people who earn less than $100,000

Financially stable: There is a direct link between increased income and happiness, especially for people who earn less than $100,000

Endless pursuit of happiness: Those who earn between $150,000-$200,000 need an extra $147,000 annually to find an extra wellbeing point

Endless pursuit of happiness: Those who earn between $150,000-$200,000 need an extra $147,000 annually to find an extra wellbeing point

DOES MONEY BUY HAPPINESS? 

To shift wellbeing in households earning $15,000–$30,000 per year, an extra $18,750 of income is needed. 

But for households that earn $150,000–$250,000 an extra wellbeing point will cost more than $147,000.

Money is directly linked to wellbeing which increases as income rises.

People with a lower income, less than $100,000, notice a steeper correlation between increased income and wellbeing, with people who earn more than $100,000 feeling less in control financially.

‘But whatever your income level, there is a clear link between being in control of your finances and wellbeing,’ the report said.

Career driven: A job that does more than pay the bills gives you a purpose and puts you on the path to happiness

Career driven: A job that does more than pay the bills gives you a purpose and puts you on the path to happiness

Driven by passion: A social activity or volunteer work can provide meaning to life

Driven by passion: A social activity or volunteer work can provide meaning to life

Lastly a sense of purpose, be is a job, volunteer work or hobby, impacts wellbeing by providing meaning to life.

‘For some this may be their job, but the job has to provide more than just financial security,’ the report said.

‘For others it may be a social activity such as being in the local tennis club or Rotary.’

Key to happiness: 'The job has to provide more than just financial security'

Key to happiness: 'The job has to provide more than just financial security'

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