Science explores happiness

By Megan Heacock

Friday, October 30, 2009

An emerging field of psychology could be called the “science of happiness” because it examines the effects of positive emotions.

This field, known as positive psychology, could be the difference between a moderately enjoyable life and a truly satisfying life, according to John Wade, psychologist for Counseling and Psychological Service at the University. Wade held a positive psychology workshop yesterday to explore the topic in-depth. He said the basic principles of positive psychology could apply to people of any age, especially students.

Some tips to becoming happier:

-Write down three things each day you are thankful for.

-Write a letter to someone who has made a difference in your life.

-Imagine yourself in 10 years with all of your goals established.

-Perform an act of kindness.

-Recognize negative thoughts and challenge them.

Source: John Wade, psychologist for Counseling and Psychological Service

“I think college is a time when we’re developing new habits,” he said. “We’re intentionally thinking about what we have to do and how we’ll live our lives.”

Wade said the purpose of positive psychology was to explore the factors that lead to successful, meaningful and happy lives. Wade said counselors and researchers tended to focus on alleviating the negative aspects of one’s life. While this was important, and often led to general acceptance of one’s situation, it did not always result in full happiness.

“Being happy isn’t just the absence of negative stuff,” he said. “And that’s where one field of psychologists now intentionally study the factors which help people to experience meaning and satisfaction in their lives.”

During the workshop, Wade asked participants to imagine their lives in 10 years with all their goals met. He called this the “miracle question,” because it’s hardly ever asked but it has a strong positive effect on those who participate. Those who attended the workshop agreed.

Geri Lamer, a Lawrence resident who was present for the workshop, participated in the exercise. She said she was surprised by how encouraging it was.

“We got more energetic because we were talking about things that are possible and, more importantly, positive,” she said.

Wade said happiness consisted of three components: genetics, actions and circumstances. Genetics alone accounted for 50 percent of people’s happiness. Wade described this as the good and bad news of it — that there was a biological range of happiness.

People’s actions account for a third of happiness, though people tend to forget this. Wade said people often focused on circumstances, or everything that happens to them, as the determinant of happiness.

“If you want to be happy...

...for an hour, take a nap

...for a day, go fishing

...for a month, get married

...for a year, get an inheritance

...for a lifetime, help someone.”

(anonymous)

A study in 1994 by Sonja Lyubormirsky found that happy people and unhappy people tended to have very similar life experiences. The difference comes from how they respond to those experiences.

“Unhappy people tend to ruminate about what isn’t working in their lives — what they’re missing or what they’re wanting,” Wade said. “While happy people tend to focus on what is working, what is making their lives go better.”

Wade also answered the basic questions of why positive thoughts were healthy for individuals. According to the research Broaden and Build Theory, by Barbara Fredrickson, professor of psychology in North Carolina, people with positive emotions are likely to learn more, be more creative, demonstrate more initiative and be more productive.

Wade said the two most immediate steps to creating positive psychology were through the emotions of gratitude and hope, the two emotions that are most important in experiencing full happiness. He said one of the misconceptions about positive psychology was the idea of trivializing negative events.

“When events happen, we’re going to have those feelings,” he said. “But what research in positive psychology indicates are the things which help us to cope well with negative events as we struggle through them.”

Sheryl Lang, another participant of the workshop found positive psychology to be very reassuring.

“It makes people become better,” she said. “It’s enlightening.”

Wade said the important aspect of positive psychology to take to heart was that happiness was a possibility.

“If we’re looking to change, the starting point of any change is awareness,” he said.

— Edited by Jonathan Hermes

Comments

drfred (anonymous) says...

There's one important caveat on this view on positive psychology- our culture is driven by a pursuit of happiness and being positive. There's little room for us to be real, authentic and share what's true for us, so what we have are many "nice" and chronically depressed people.

Positivity is fine and my view is that authenticity contributes more to happiness.

For different perspectives on happiness, especially as it relates to aging, you can visit happiness-after-midlife.com

October 30, 2009 at 10:37 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

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