“People wait all week for Friday, all year for summer, all life for happiness.”
In An Introduction to Positive Psychology, Dr. William Compton describes positive psychology as seeking “to make normal life more fulfilling.” It utilizes the scientific method (hypothesis, prediction, study, research, analysis) to understand the positive and emotionally fulfilling aspects of human behavior. It is the study of what actions, pursuits, and motivations best contribute to the good life.
I enjoy reading positive psychology. The more I discover, the more I am reminded that happiness is rarely found in material possessions or worldly pursuits. Our most fulfilled lives are discovered living for greater causes.
These pursuits are available to us regardless of our heritage, background, or socioeconomic standing. They are freely available to anyone who chooses to dedicate their lives to them.
10 Positive Psychology Studies to Change Your View of Happiness
1. From Wealth to Well-being? | Harvard Business School, 2009. While there does appear to be some correlation between happiness and income when basic needs are not yet met, people tend to overestimate the influence of wealth on happiness by 100%. Money does not lead to nearly as much happiness as people think it will.
2. Buying Experiences, not Possessions, Leads to Greater Happiness | San Francisco State University, 2009. The study demonstrates that experiential purchases, such as a meal out or theater tickets, result in increased greater well-being than material possessions. These experiences tend to satisfy higher order needs, specifically the need for social connectedness and vitality—a feeling of being alive.
3. The Science of Gratitude | University of Pennsylvania, 2005. One of the greatest contributing factors to overall happiness in life is how much gratitude we show. And a noticeable difference can be experienced with as little as three expressions each day (“Thank you for…”).
4. Trust, Morality, and Oxytocin. Claremont Graduate University, 2011. Based on research findings, psychologists believe humanity’s trust, empathy, and morality increase as their levels of oxytocin increase. Neuroeconomist Paul Zak explains the simple act of eight hugs a day can increase internal oxytocin levels and result in a happier you and a better world.
5. For a Better Day, Smile. | Michigan State University, 2011. People who smile as a result of cultivating positive thoughts can significantly and immediately improve their mood. Simply put, one easy way to improve your mood right now is to recall pleasant memories—and smile because of it.
6. The Dynamic Spread of Happiness | University of California, San Diego, 2008. In this significant study, people who were surrounded by happy people were more likely to lead happy lives in the future. So if you want to discover more happiness in your life, make a point to surround yourself with joyful people.
7. Kindness Counts | University of British Columbia, 2012. In this study conducted at an elementary school, students who performed kind acts experienced significantly higher increases in peer acceptance. In other words, people who are kind to others are more well-liked. This contributes to their own personal popularity as they help other people.
8. People who Exercise on Work Days are Happier | University of Bristol, 2008. People’s moods significantly improve after exercising. They are also more productive and equipped to manage stress in their workday.
9. Is Volunteering a Public Health Intervention? | University of Exeter Medical School, 2013. Evidence suggests volunteering benefits mental health and even, survival. Donating time to causes you believe in not only improves well-being and overall life satisfaction, it is also linked to decreased depression and a lower risk of dying early.
10. Spending Money on Others Promotes Happiness | University of California Berkeley, 2008. This study suggests that how people spend their money may be at least as important as how much money they earn. Specifically, spending more of one’s income on others results in greater happiness. So go ahead, be generous. You’ll be glad you did.
Robin S. says
” Sarcasm and humor are powerful coverups for the lack of happiness and positive thinking.”
Written above, this sums it all up for me.
Jackie says
I just found your page I love it!!! You really helped me today recently my mother was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer that spread and my boyfriend of 13 years had a liver/kidney transplant three years ago so next week he goes for a ultrasound of his liver and every year when it is time for an ultrasound I worry myself to death where I can control my thoughts it’s so bad I think what if??? And it is all bad I fear death and I am having a really hard time staying in today when I googled I found you and what you write and it helped me in that moment I will continue to try and stay in today and stop worried and thinking the worst it is literally making me sick physically and mentally
wisdom alheri says
with this research i believe that i will become a great psychologist
Gil says
I like this article. There are some things mentioned that I want to work on such as being grateful, smiling, exercise. One thing which I cannot always choose is the people around me. Unfortunately, some of the closest people to me are sadly not happy, and this is very difficult. Negativity being thrown at me constantly, whatever I do. This is very contaguous to me, and many time I return with negativity. I cannot help it. . For this reason, this point in the article, somewhat disturbs/ even irritates me. This is just something I cannot always choose.
Adedokun Yinka Amos says
Great and awesome collection
Lesson for all.
Sylvia says
These are all wonderful ways to experience happiness for city dwellers who have restaurants etc within easy distance but I would like to add another not directly stated – experiencing Nature. Going back to our roots, contact with soil, rocks, plants and animals, fresh air, sunshine and water not out of a tap or chlorinated. These give the greatest happiness and peace.
Lori English says
Hello,
I enjoyed the article and write about happiness myself. I feel that you have the knack of knowing ” Happiness” , it can be interpreted in different ways. Knowing how to decrease stress and be grateful is a way to increase your happiness. Thanks and Hope to connect. (:
All The Best,
Lori English, MSW
ren says
People say I’ve changed, I sure have, I refuse to let anyone take away my happiness. Used to let others selfishness affect my attitude. Now realize most people have some type of motive, be it need to control others, or to feel better about themselves by cutting others down. I just want to live and let live.
Michal says
I have a sense that somehow we – humans – already KNOW all this to be true. Deep down. Yet we continue to react to the same patterns and conditioning, as if we were lining up for more suffering again and again . . . An illusion? A delusion? A neurosis? What does it take to open one’s eyes? To seek REAL happiness, as opposed to what we THINK will make us happy?
Catherine Jean Rose says
Well done article; however, I’d argue the “experiences over things” point. I used to spend lots of money on movies, bars, and restaurants; lately I get more pleasure from making my own food, home brew, and Netflix. Going out doesn’t give me pleasure after factoring in the cost of the overpriced venue, finding parking, waiting in a line, crowds, noise, etc. I’d much rather have friends over for some good, home cooked food and brew and sit around a campfire vs more expensive alternatives. #my2cents.
ren says
And that’s your experiences,just closer to home and time with others, not buying material items. I no longer enjoy going out much anymore, hate dealing with loud rude people, just want to hibernate in my cozy, work- in -progress home. More things leaving than coming in. More organized by the week. Home is safe haven.