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
Web site helps correct harmful study habits
Students who deprive themselves of sleep to study will not retain information. ...
New field: 'Positive Psychology'
The new area of study explores principles of how to be happy ...
Workshop offers relief
Students can learn how to relaxation techniques for later in life.
Therapy is for everybody
De-stigmatizing negative assumptions about counseling and psychotherapy.
Students find ways to manage stress
Research has shown that stress tops the list of factors affecting academics ...
Diplomatic Discussion
When conflicts arise, talk your way to a civil solution.
Counseling service struggles to meet demands
The University's Counseling and Psychological Services has recently had a waiting list ...
Coping with grief while in college
Web tease: Students who lose a loved one while in school have ...
Your brain on the Book
The psychological appeal and effect of Facebook
Down the aisle before the hill
How cell phones and social media have ...
The ability to connect during concerts, movies and sporting events helps us ...
Depression plagues college students
Young people’s transition from high school to college often forces them to ...
Once warriors, now students
Veterans wounded in combat fight to find a "normal" life on college ...
Losing weight, losing control
Among the millions who struggle with eating disorders, the majority suffer from ...
University services aid grieving students
Students dealing with a loss can seek help from Counseling and Psychological ...
Now and Then
Bisexuals face additional challenges
Students struggle for acceptance in LGBT communities.
The Real World: KU
As we settle into another school year, students realize that college life ...
Love and lust in college
From one-night stands to long-term relationships, students’ perceptions of the collegiate dating ...
KUnited sweeps election and defeats Renew KU
Libby Johnson and Gabe Bliss will take office in the fall, representing ...
Breaking up: like breaking an addiction
New research suggests romantic rejection creates brain activity similar to withdrawal symptoms.
Is this love that I'm feeling?
We all go through tough relationships. But when it becomes obsession, it ...
Students to soldiers
Facing possible deployment to Iraq or Afghanistan after graduation, 81 University students ...
A little libido goes a long way
Everybody has sexual desires, but how do you handle them? Sex therapist ...
Psychology professor studies friendship
A University psychology professor's recent study revealed the differences in friendships at ...
Rules of attraction
The science behind what causes and keeps our attention
Students feel hardships of debt
University and local organizations are counseling students on how to manage their ...
A sobering conversation
University struggles to address the complexities of alcohol policy in the wake ...
Striving for parental acceptance
Gay and lesbian students at the University of Kansas have revealed their ...
The facts about phobias
This Halloween Eve, understand how phobias work and how they can be ...
Exposed
My boyfriend during freshman year had 100 gigabytes of pornography on his ...
Senior night to honor three players' careers
Brady Morningstar, Tyrel Reed and Mario Little will play their last game ...
Student groups team up for environment
From Blue to Green, a sustainability movement, will host events between now ...
Do you believe in magic?
Matt Rissien doesn't give much credence to superstitions. However, when it comes ...
Queers and Allies protests blood donation policy
The FDA does not allow men who have had sex with other ...
Effect of medication on some causes concern
Anti-anxiety drugs may contribute to problems for some students.
Spending a summer in West Africa taught ...
One graduate student learns about the differences between American culture and Senegalese ...
A look at KU's changing face of ...
University's turbulent past has evolved into a somewhat tranquil state of activism.
Editorial: Senate reduced impact of fee cuts ...
Fees increase despite Senate's efforts to find places to save money.
Goalies compete for coveted position
Assistant head coach Kelly Miller says that the players deserve equal minutes ...
Kansas Jayhawk fans hold aloft a reproduction of ...
2 comments
Erin Saupe, a Ph.D. student from St. Cloud, ...
1 comment
0 comments
Armed robbers continue to threaten.
3 comments
Lecture from Greg Mortenson, co-author of New York ...
0 comments
KUnited presidential candidate Libby Johnson and vice presidential ...
1 comment
Comments
Science explores happiness
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
Sign in to comment
Or login with:
OpenID