Abstract
Starting with the three-dimensional theoretical perspective explored by Ruut Veenhoven and his collaborators, namely Set-point theory (claiming that each individual can feel happiness/ satisfaction up to a certain level that cannot be exceeded), Comparison theory of happiness (claiming that we tend to feel more or less happy by comparing ourselves to other individuals, to previous moments of our lives or to our expectations), and Affection theory (claiming that happiness is rather an overall feeling), the main AIM of this article is to understand what influences patients' perceived level of happiness, and subsequently, to determine how technology can be helpful for rising their level of life satisfaction. In order to do so, we applied questionnaires to patients hospitalized in one of the most sought-after clinics in the city. The study comprised three dimensions, namely, Evaluating the level of happiness, Difficulties and learning strategies, and Technology use and usability. Consequently, we expect life satisfaction to be determined by severity of illness and overall recovering costs, we also expect their learning strategies to be influenced by the severity of illness, and nonetheless, we expect the rates of technology use to vary based on the levels of impairment. However, the present research was based on a study conducted at the same clinic, one year prior, meant to gather data and help highlight the main difficulties patients face during their healing process. The initial study showed that many patients deal with pain on a daily basis, their budgets being severely affected by the cost of the treatment, thus having a lower level of life satisfaction. |