Joy is a feeling of extreme gladness and delight of the spirit arising from a sense of well-being or satisfaction. According to the American Psychological Association, the feeling of joy may take two forms: passive and active. Passive joy is characterised by tranquility and a sense of contentment with things as they are. Active joy is characterised by a desire to share one’s emotions with others. It is related to more environmental engagement than passive joy. Passive and active joy can be distinguished from one another based on how intense the emotion is, with active joy being the more intense. The feeling of joy has been linked to an increase in energy, confidence, and self-esteem.

Joy may be understood as one of those emotions associated with the experience of the primary emotion of happiness, and yet they are not the same.

Happiness tends to be linked to tangible, material expectations and outcomes emerging out of luck, fortune, or other person-centered pleasures. it may be based on situations, people, places, things, and thoughts, directly connected to what one values or hopes for.
Joy emerges inward, from a sense of wellbeing, and may not always be about oneself but may also be about the contentment of others. Joy can emerge and exist even when situations are tough and challenging.

Joy may be more intense, last longer, and be less dependent on outward changes – this may enhance one’s resilience, influence perspectives while assessing a situation, and create space for experiencing hope, and contentment at the moment.