What role does your personality play in achieving happiness?
Monday, May 13, 2024.
Personality and circumstances play significant roles in determining happiness, with each contributing roughly 50% to one's overall sense of well-being, according to a recent study.
This finding challenges previous research that has often emphasized the importance of personality traits in predicting happiness.
Traits such as extraversion, realism, and emotional stability are commonly believed to be key factors in determining happiness.
However, for folks who may struggle with traits such as neuroticism, introversion, or pessimism.. this emphasis on personality may seem discouraging.
The study suggests that while personality does play a role in happiness, circumstances are more amenable to change and can have a significant impact on overall well-being. Unlike personality, circumstances include the daily activities and routines that individuals engage in, making them more susceptible to modification.
Dr. William Hobbs, the study's lead author, noted, "Our study suggests that there are many drivers of happiness. For some, it might be related to personality, while for others, factors like saving money, exercising, or spending time with family and friends can have a greater influence."
How the study was conducted
The study analyzed over 1,000 responses to an open-ended survey question that asked, "What do you do to make life go well?" The findings revealed that both personality and circumstances were equally important in determining happiness. While stable emotions were associated with greater happiness, this trait was found to be challenging to change.
However, certain circumstances, such as engaging in regular exercise, maintaining a healthy diet, and getting enough sleep, were identified as factors that are more easily changeable and can significantly impact happiness levels.
Dr. Hobbs emphasized the importance of using open-ended survey questions to study happiness, as closed-ended questions may not capture the full range of factors that contribute to well-being. He concluded that factors like health, financial stability, and social connections are just as influential in determining happiness as personality traits when the methodology is appropriately adjusted.
Be Well, Stay Kind, and Godspeed.
RESEARCH:
Hobbs, W. R., & Ong, A. D. (2023). For living well, behaviors and circumstances matter just as much as psychological traits. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 120(12), e2212867120. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2212867120
