Outline+the+sociocultural+factors+in+happiness+and+evaluate+supporting+studies.

=__ Outline the sociocultural factors in happiness and evaluate supporting studies __=

[[image:http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Y7BkUm0EX3A/TDMRFthYRtI/AAAAAAAAAWk/lMLKYnvrROI/s1600/Dalai-Lama3.JPG width="160" height="183"]]__Dalai Lama (Head of Tibetan Buddism)__
- Key to happiness is in our __own hands__ - can be achieved through systematic training of the //mind&heart///reshaping //attitudes&loutlooks// //happiness = purpose in life// Determined by **state of mind >** external conditions (basic survival needs are met)

__Compassion__ - important part of spiritual development & basis for individual happiness

Wealth -> Happiness = loose happiness if money is lost

media type="youtube" key="_QvVaZfFDKw" height="390" width="480"

=__King of Bhutan__= __Gross National Happiness__ = a measurement of growth in happiness Western Countries : Gross National //Product// (GNP)

- (Buddhist) Purpose of Life = __Happiness__

 ∴ As King : developing Bhutan in such a way that development of the country is connected with the **pursuit of happiness**

=__Supporting Study__= Christensen, Herskind, and Vaupel (2006)

Aim:
Why are Danes so smug?

**Research:** Researched about Denmark Survey on how satisfied people are with their lives

Findings:
Danes are the happiest people on earth

=== ===

Conclusions:
Rule out the climate (colder/cloudier than many other countries) - Welfare state of Denmark - Denmark: Highest level of income equality - Prosperous economy - Well-functioning democracy - Won the 1992 European Football Championship - Do not have high expectations about the future

∴ Happy = Low, though realistic, expectations about the future

** Evaluation: **
- Correlational study =/= Cause and Effect - Other factors such as family relationships and work-pressure have not been considered - The climate has been ruled out = possible cause too - No Ethical harm done to the participants since data was collected through surveys