2 Signs That You Live A Psychologically Fulfilling Lifestyle

Is your life 'psychologically rich'? Here's two ways to tell.

By Mark Travers, Ph.D. | September 09, 2024

Is your life stuck in routine or brimming with experiences that challenge and transform you? If you find yourself craving more than just happiness or a sense of purpose, you might be seeking a "psychologically rich" life.

Researchers of a 2020 study published in Philosophical Psychology describe it as "a life characterized by complexity, in which people experience a variety of interesting things and feel and appreciate a variety of deep emotions via firsthand or vicarious experiences."

While most researchers agree that this type of life is not necessarily any better than a happy or meaningful one, such experiences can contribute to a truly memorable existence.

Here are two signs of living a psychologically rich life, according to research.

1. Having Interesting Life Experiences

A psychologically rich life is shaped by the continuous pursuit of novel, varied and interesting experiences, which result in important changes in perspective. Unlike a happy life, which might be more focused on stability and comfort, or a meaningful life, which emphasizes purpose, a psychologically rich life thrives on change, even if it's uncomfortable.

A 2020 study conducted across nine nations, published in Affective Science, found a significant number of people would ideally want to live a psychologically rich life, even at the expense of a happy or meaningful life.

Researchers also found that roughly 28% of American participants reported that if they could reverse the one life event that they regret most, their lives would have been psychologically richer.

"One problem with happy and meaningful lives is that both can be monotonous and repetitive. A person with a steady—perhaps even rewarding—9-to-5 job, happily married with children, may have a happy and, in many respects, meaningful life, but not necessarily a life rich in diverse experiences," the researchers explain.

Those who lead psychologically rich lives often actively seek out new perspectives, cultures and ideas. They are drawn to activities that challenge their thinking, broaden their worldview or immerse them in unfamiliar situations.

Whether it's traveling to a new country, trying an unusual hobby or engaging with people from different backgrounds, these experiences serve to break the monotony of everyday life, allowing them to grow and evolve continuously.

For instance, consider traveling to a country where you don't speak the language. You're not only immersed in a new environment but also confronted with challenges like communication barriers and cultural differences. This experience can reshape your worldview and allow for growth in unexpected ways.

2. Living A 'Cognitively Complex' Life

A study published in June in the Journal of Research in Personality suggests that a psychologically rich life is distinct in its "cognitive complexity." Researchers found that those who experience psychological richness process social information in more complex ways, including:

• A greater attributional complexity. Attributional complexity refers to the tendency to seek out and consider multiple causes when explaining others' behavior. For instance, if someone cuts them off in traffic, some might immediately label the driver as rude or reckless. However, a person with greater attributional complexity might consider that the driver is rushing to an emergency or simply had a moment of distraction.
• Practicing holism. Holistic thinkers see the bigger picture, viewing individual experiences as part of a larger narrative. For instance, if someone has an argument with a close friend, they might recognize it as one challenging moment in a long journey of growth and understanding, rather than an automatically relationship-ending event.

When living a cognitively complex life, people don't shy away from ambiguity or contradiction. They embrace the complexities of life, whether through their relationships, work or everyday encounters. These individuals reflect deeply on their experiences, recognize the interconnectedness of events and understand that people's actions are rarely one-dimensional.

For instance, if you've ever reflected on a complicated romantic relationship—considering not just the good and bad moments but also how both have contributed to your personal growth—you were engaging in cognitively complex thinking. You might see the relationship as a source of joy, challenge and learning, appreciating it for all its intricacies.

Leading a psychologically rich life doesn't mean avoiding pain or difficulty—instead, it's about seeing the value in experiences that challenge existing beliefs and contain both positive and negative emotions.

"On their deathbed, a person who has led a happy life might say, 'I had fun!' A person who has led a meaningful life might say, 'I made a difference!' And a person who has led a psychologically rich life might say, 'What a journey!'" explain the researchers of a 2022 study on the subject.

The richness of this experience comes from being able to see the world in all its multifaceted beauty, embracing the challenges and contradictions that come with it. So, why not open yourself up to new experiences and perspectives? The journey, with all its twists and turns, is truly worth it.

How open are you to new experiences? Take this test to receive a science-backed answer: Openness To Experience Scale

A similar version of this article can also be found on Forbes.com, here, and on PsychologyToday.com, here.