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
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