Erin Westgate, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Department of Psychology and director of the Florida Social Cognition and Emotion Lab, is leading new research that expands how we understand well-being. While traditional views of a “good life” have focused on happiness or meaning, Dr. Westgate and her collaborator Shigehiro Oishi, Ph.D. (University of Chicago) have introduced a third, equally important dimension: psychological richness.
Psychological richness describes a life filled with diverse, intellectually stimulating, and perspective-shifting experiences. These experiences might not always be pleasant or purposeful, but they challenge people to grow and see the world in new ways.
“Some of the most important experiences in life are the ones that challenge us, that surprise us, and that make us see the world differently,” Dr. Westgate explains.
Her work explores how people respond to events like natural disasters or novel cultural experiences, revealing that even difficult situations can add value to our lives by shifting our perspective. The research shows that psychological richness resonates with people across cultures and offers an alternative way to pursue personal fulfillment.
This work encourages both researchers and the public to think more broadly about what it means to live well—not just by seeking happiness or purpose, but also through curiosity, variety, and intellectual growth.