Formula for Happiness = S (Set range, personal biology) + C (Circumstances) + V (Voluntary control)

Martin Seligman, a professor of psychology at the University of Pennsylvania, has proposed a formula for the causes of happiness that accounts for stable and variable components of long-term happiness; H (enduring level of happiness) = S (personal set range) + C (circumstances) + V (factors under personal voluntary control). Voluntary/intentional activities have similar level of influence (40%) compared to genetic set-point for happiness (50%) The happiness set-point (estimated influence 50 %) “is genetically determined and assumed to be fixed, stable over time, and immune to the influence of control”. Circumstances' estimated influence is only 10 %. These include the geographical region where a person resides, demographic factors such as age and gender, and major life-status factors such as marriage, and being sufficiently wealthy. Intentional Activities' estimated influence is 40 %. Activities are more controllable than genetic factors, personality and most circumstances and offer the greatest potential to sustainably increase happiness. They have similar level of influence (40%) compared to the genetic set-point for happiness (50%). Happiness enhancing strategies fall into 3 activity types: 1. Behavioral activity reflects a person’s actions: - physical activities - meditation and mindfulness - social activities such as deliberate acts of kindness and gratitude 2. Cognitive activity indicates a person’s attitudes: - cultivating gratitude - forgiveness - co...
Source: Clinical Cases and Images - Category: Journals (General) Source Type: news