In The Pursuit of Happiness: Observations of Young Tibetan Refugees in Exile, India

Abstract

Refugees often experience adverse circumstances as a consequence of displacement from their homes due to conflict, directly affecting their happiness and well-being. This study focuses on Tibetan refugees because of their relatively successful transition into other parts of the world, their effective advocacy to improve their plight and the gradual reduction of repression on the part of China’s government against them. The literature reveals that happiness among refugees is usually a consequence of the interplay of various factors in their destination country. This study seeks to verify the exact nature of these claims by considering the influence life satisfaction, life orientation and the environment has on the happiness of young Tibetan refugees in India. The study concludes with recommendations for stakeholders, including relief organizations, psychologists and counsellors.