Contentment: quick facts
Contentment is a quiet, low-arousal positive emotion marked by a sense of satisfaction and ease with one's present circumstances. Unlike the high energy of joy or excitement, contentment is calm and settled — a feeling…
Category
Basic emotions
Valence
Positive
Emotion family / blend
Happiness
Typical triggers
Safety, satisfaction of needs, gentle pleasures, a sense of 'enough'
How it's expressed
Relaxed posture, soft smile, slow breathing, calm voice
Sources: American Psychological Association — APA Dictionary: emotion; Greater Good Science Center, UC Berkeley — Emotions. Educational information only — not medical or psychological advice. See our sources & fact-check policy.