Psychological Research on Happiness

What does the hedonic approach focus on in happiness research?

Pleasure attainment and pain avoidance.

What does the eudaimonic approach emphasize?

Meaning and self-realization.

Self-realization

the degree to which a person is fully functioning

Who pioneered the eudaimonic approach to psychology?

Maslow.

What is Maslow’s definition of self-actualization?

The drive to realize one’s talents and fulfill one’s potentials, express one’s true self, develop “a sense of connectedness with the broader universe”

In Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, what needs must be satisfied first (bottom of tower)?

Physiological needs (hunger and thirst), lower needs must be met first

What are self-actualization needs according to Maslow?

The need to live up to one’s fullest and unique potential.

What type of needs are just below esteem needs in Maslow’s hierarchy?

Belongingness and love needs (need to love and be loved, belong and be accepted, avoid loneliness and alienation.

What are esteem needs?

self-esteem, achievement, competence, independence, recognition and respect from others

What is just above physiological needs?

Safety needs (feel the world is organized and predictable, feel safe, secure, stable)

What is the primary function of marriage before 1850?

Food production, shelter, and protection from violence.

How is marriage connected to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs?

Changes in function of marriage over time follow Maslow’s hierarchy, from survival to choice as exploration of self and community

Research supporting hierarchy of needs

Financial satisfaction is more strongly predictive of subjective well-being in poorer nations; home-life satisfaction and self-esteem matter more in wealthy nations

What characterizes self-actualizing people?

Self-aware, self-accepting, open and spontaneous, loving and caring, not paralyzed by others’ opinions

-Tend to focus energies on a particular task, one often regarded as one’s mission
in life

-few deep relationships rather than many superficial

-interests problem-centered not self-centered

-most have been moved by spiritual or peak experience

What is a peak experience in Maslow's research?

Moments of ecstasy and bliss with a sense of 'oceanic oneness'.

What is self-transcendence?

Being motivated by values that transcend the self, important component of self-actualization

What is the main criticism of the hedonistic approach to happiness?

It focuses solely on present pleasure and ignores long-term meaning.

-hedonists need a long-term purpose or life feels meaningless

-hedonist will do things potentially detrimental (that ultimately result in negative emotions) if they give immediate gratification

-we can’t find happiness if we exclusively seek pleasure and avoid pain

What is hedonic adaptation?

The phenomenon where happiness returns to a baseline well-being after achieving a goal.

What does Daniel Kahneman's research suggest about income and happiness?

Higher income is correlated with slightly higher life satisfaction but doesn't significantly increase happiness.

-higher income more likely to experience daily anxiety and anger

How does money relate to happiness according to Dan Gilbert?

Money brings a little happiness but only for a short time.

What is the impact of focusing primarily on money for happiness?

It may lead to more distress and less empathy.

What factor is found to be the strongest influence on happiness?

Social relationships.

What is the correlation between social support and happiness in college students?

0.71 correlation indicating strong predictive power.

How is optimism defined in terms of happiness?

Hopefulness or confidence about the future.

What is the relationship between self-esteem and negative affect?

Self-esteem is one of the biggest predictors of negative affect.

What does an internal locus of control indicate?

The perception of being a master of one’s own destiny.

What physical activities are correlated with happiness according to research?

Sleep and exercise.

What does Shawn Achor's 'Happiness Advantage' highlight?

Positive emotions increase external success.

What are the top factors influencing happiness according to research literature?

Social relationships, optimism, self-esteem, internal locus of control, and sense of meaning and purpose in life, sleep and exercise

Who is Tal Ben-Shahar?

A psychologist who discusses the flaws in the hedonistic approach to happiness.

What is a common misconception about external sources of happiness?

That happiness depends primarily on external circumstances.

What happens to happiness after achieving a significant goal according to research?

It often returns to a baseline level due to hedonic adaptation.

What do studies show about lottery winners and their happiness after winning?

90% claim they wish they had never won after 5 years.

What effect does thinking about money have on behavior?

It can make people act more selfishly.

What does Maslow’s theory take inspiration from?

R.M. Bucke’s Cosmic Consciousness.

How does increased wealth beyond $75,000 affect happiness?

It does not significantly increase happiness.

What is one psychological effect of materialistic aspirations in college freshmen?

Higher likelihood of suffering from mental disorders by age 37.

What does self-awareness contribute to in self-actualizing individuals?

It fosters self-acceptance and genuine relationships.

What is meant by 'quality' in social relationships?

Depth and honesty within relationships, not just the number of relationships.

How does external validation influence self-esteem?

It can reduce self-acceptance and increase social comparison.

What correlation exists between empathy and income?

Income is negatively correlated with empathy.

What does switching one's focus of attention involve for enhancing happiness?

Changing beliefs and attitudes.

What does research say about the effect of happiness interventions in the workplace?

They significantly improve productivity and effectiveness.

What do researchers find about the predictability of long-term happiness from external circumstances?

External circumstances only predict 10% of long-term happiness.

What is one of the characteristics of happy people in work environments?

They engage their skills through fulfilling activities.

According to research, how does sleep affect happiness?

Quality sleep is crucial for maintaining a sense of well-being.

What is a predictive quality of successful business outcomes?

Life satisfaction leads to better business outcomes.

What is an important mindset for achieving happiness?

Needing to shift from external desires to internal fulfillment.

What do many people mistakenly believe about time management and happiness?

They believe they lack time to effect inner change for happiness.