Americans often equate happiness with possessions, money, gender, youth, popularity, or beauty. Not so, say researchers. To determine someone's happiness level, look at what someone believes.
A group of researchers conducted a world-wide survey to determine what, if anything in particular, predicted happiness. Another study asked college students to identify the most personally satisfying event within specified time periods. Researchers found similar happiness predictors, placing self-esteem as the top need for happiness for Americans.
Here are the top happiness predictors, based on these studies:
Personal traits. Happy people have good self-esteem, are optimistic, feel a sense of personal control (autonomy), and are comfortable reaching out to others. These appear to be the top four determinants of happiness.
Close relationships. Happy people have a good network of friends, and are able to name several people with whom they can share intimate details of themselves. Additionally, married people are happier than singles.
Work satisfaction. Happy people feel good about what they do, and feel they are effective in the activities they've chosen to do.
Spirituality. People who say their religious faith is the most important influence in their lives are twice as likely to also say they're very happy, according to one survey. Other studies found a direct link between regular church attendance and happiness/life satisfaction.
You might want to ask yourself, "Am I happy?" If not, consider rethinking your priorities, then focusing on the predictors of happiness. |
