Outline+the+biological+factors+in+happiness+and+evaluate+supporting+studies


 * Biological factors in happiness **

1. Humans have inherited a capacity to habituate to life’s circumstances. 2. Humans have also inherited the tendency to notice trouble, so that we take positive things for granted, but focus on the more troublesome aspects of life. 3. Humans seem to have an inner voice of dissatisfaction that prompts them to strive for more.

** Genetics **
 *  **


 * Aim: to compare happiness scores among sets of identical and fraternal twins who grew up together or were reared apart.


 * Procedures: The twins were mostly white and born in Minnesota.


 * Findings:

a. Identical twins are very similar in their happiness scores; it does not matter if they have been brought up together or reared apart.

b.Fraternal twins do not show the same pattern at all. This is because fraternal twins do not resemble each other any more than other siblings.

c.Each individual has a genetically influenced set-point for his or her general feeling of happiness, and that 50 percent of the differences in people’s happiness levels are genetically determined.

d.10 percent of the variance in happiness levels can be explained by situational factors. (rich/poor, healthy/unhealthy, married/single).

e.40 percent seems to be within people’s own control.


 * Evaluation

a. Difficult to compare twins because it is a small sample.

b. Researchers have to assume that the twins share the same family environment to make valid conclusions.  This is perhaps true for identical twins to a large extent, but less so for fraternal twins, who may be of different sexes.

//“There are opportunities to increase or decrease happiness levels through what people do and how they think.”//
 *  **

*Typical characteristics of happy people* n They devote a lot of time to family and friends. n They can easily express gratitude for what they have. n They are often the first to offer a helping hand to people who need it. n They have an optimistic outlook on the future. n They enjoy the pressures of like and live in the present. n They spend time doing physical exercise. n They are committed to lifelong goals and ambitions. n They cope well in times of crisis.



media type="youtube" key="xwOROplhgL0" height="390" width="480" align="center"

→ Lyumbomirsky suggests strategies to increase happiness, such as expressing gratitude, avoiding overthinking and social comparison, investigating social connections and practicing acts of kindness.


 *  **

l Aim: to support that being helpful to other people has a very positive influence on one’s sense of self.

l Procedures: a. Five women who had multiple sclerosis were trained to act as peer supporters for 67 patients who also suffered from multiple sclerosis. b. The training consisted of active and compassionate listening techniques. c. They were asked to call each patient for 15 minutes each month.

l Findings: a. The peer supporters were happier and reported increased level of satisfaction and self-efficacy. b. They participated in more social activities and experienced fewer episodes of depression. c. They had become more tolerant and more open to other people, and their confidence in coping with life’s up and downs had increased. d. The experience had improved their own lives considerably.

l Evaluation: a. Small sample: not possible to generalize.

Home Cognitive Level of Analysis An integrative look at happiness