Can Happiness Be Learned?
Monday, May 27, 2024.
The pursuit of happiness is a universal endeavor, but can it be taught? According to a groundbreaking study, the answer is a resounding yes, provided you keep practicing the strategies learned.
The Science of Happiness: A Closer Look
A university course titled “The Science of Happiness” has shed light on the long-term potential of happiness interventions. The course taught students fundamental aspects of psychological research on happiness, emphasizing the power of gratitude, exercise, and meditation. The initial results were promising, significantly boosting the students' mental well-being.
However, unfortunately, a follow-up study conducted 1-2 years later revealed that these effects were not as enduring as hoped.
The Role of Consistency in Sustaining Happiness
Digging deeper into the data, researchers discovered that students who continued to engage in the happiness-promoting activities maintained their elevated levels of well-being.
In contrast, those who abandoned these practices saw their happiness levels revert to baseline, dragging down the overall average. This critical finding underscores the importance of consistency in mental health practices.
Professor Bruce Hood's Insights
Professor Bruce Hood, a co-author of the study, likens the process to physical fitness:
“It’s like going to the gym; we can’t expect to do one class and be fit forever. Just as with physical health, we have to continuously work on our mental health, otherwise, the improvements are temporary.”
The Surprising Findings About Happiness
Over 200 students participated in the initial happiness course, which introduced several surprising insights that may challenge common perceptions about self-care. Among these findings were:
Loneliness and Health: Loneliness has a detrimental effect on our health.
Nature and Rumination: Walking in nature can significantly reduce negative thought patterns.
Social Interactions: Talking to strangers can boost happiness.
Acts of Kindness: Being kind to others enhances our own happiness.
The Impermanence of Happiness Gains
Shortly after completing the course, participants experienced a 10-15% increase in their mental well-being. However, this uplift diminished over the following years for those who discontinued their happiness exercises. Professor Hood emphasizes the necessity of ongoing commitment:
“This study shows that just doing a course, be that at the gym, a meditation retreat, or an evidence-based happiness course like ours, is just the start: you must commit to using what you learn on a regular basis.”
Challenging Common Notions of Self-Care
Much of what is taught in the happiness course revolves around positive psychology interventions that shift focus away from oneself.
Activities such as helping others, socializing with friends, practicing gratitude, and meditating can divert attention from self-centric ruminations, which are often at the root of many mental health issues.
This approach stands in stark contrast to the prevalent 'self-care' doctrine, which frequently emphasizes self-focused activities.
While self-care is undoubtedly important, this study suggests that true happiness and mental well-being might be better achieved through outward-focused actions and consistent positive habits.
Final thoughts
The findings from this university course offer a compelling argument for the learnability of happiness. However, they also highlight the necessity of sustained effort and consistent practice.
By regularly engaging in gratitude, kindness, social interactions, and mindfulness, we can achieve long-term improvements in our mental well-being. These insights challenge traditional self-care notions and underscore positive psychology's power in fostering lasting happiness.
Be Well, Stay Kind, and Godspeed.
RESEARCH:
Hobbs, C., Jelbert, S., Santos, L.R. et al. Long-term analysis of a psychoeducational course on university students’ mental well-being. High Educ (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10734-024-01202-4
