What is happiness? science answers

Previous research has looked at who, when, and why some people would rather feel happy now than later. But these studies do not address how this preference for immediate over delayed happiness relates to behavior and well-being.

For those in a hurry:

Now, a psychologist at the University of Buffalo in New York (USA) is filling this knowledge gap with a study that approaches happiness from a new research perspective.

The findings, published in the scientific journal Emotion, suggest that people’s beliefs about happiness are important in shaping their daily quests for purpose and well-being.

People may think of happiness as an investment, similar to how someone might put money into a savings account and watch it grow over time. [Podem pensar que] working hard and making sacrifices for their important long-term goals will make them happier in the future.

Lora Park, associate professor of psychology and director of the Self and Motivation Lab at the University of Buffalo College of Arts and Sciences

On the other hand, people might think of happiness as fleeting, similar to how someone might put money in the stock market and watch it fluctuate day after day, not knowing when the market will go up or down, the professor explained. “As such, they are likely to believe in ‘living in the moment’, taking opportunities to feel happy now rather than postponing happiness into an unknown future,” he added.

study of happiness

Park led a research team that conducted studies with samples that included college-aged and adult community participants. First, they established a new scale to measure how far happiness lags behind living in current beliefs. They then examined the costs and benefits of endorsing these happiness beliefs.

The findings suggest that delaying happiness to pursue important long-term goals is associated with greater anticipated happiness and pride in achieving that goal. But there is a downside, according to the researcher.

While delaying happiness has benefits, it’s also linked to feeling more guilty, anxious, and sorry when engaging in activities that drain time or energy from long-term goals.

Lora Park, associate professor of psychology and director of the Self and Motivation Lab at the University of Buffalo College of Arts and Sciences

Western society tends to admire those who pursue goals at the expense of immediate happiness, while living in the moment can be seen as indulgent or impulsive. But we must not be contemptuous. Living in the moment also has benefits.

According to Lora, people who believe in living in the moment engage in more enjoyable and pleasurable activities, even if they aren’t tied to their long-term goals, which contributes to more positive emotions and greater overall well-being. “These people don’t see these experience activities as wasted time, something to regret or feel guilty about,” she added.

discoveries

Park’s research found that while beliefs about happiness are relatively stable, they can also change and be influenced by social messages that place differential value on whether happiness is cumulative or fleeting.

Happiness is often viewed as something to be enjoyed now rather than later. But our research suggests there are costs and benefits to both. And that these beliefs are also malleable.

Lora Park, associate professor of psychology and director of the Self and Motivation Lab at the University of Buffalo College of Arts and Sciences

For example, if you know you’ll be graduating in a few weeks, it might help to live in the moment rather than postponing your happiness until later. You can move on to living in the moment and enjoying unfocused activities now without feeling bad about it.

Conclusion

There’s no doubt that long-term goals often require persistence and focus. “But there are costs associated with this research, such as missing out on the opportunity to enjoy happiness now, which can encourage positive emotions and feelings of closeness and connection with others,” the researcher said.

In short, one belief about happiness is not necessarily better than another, according to a study conducted by Lora Park.

Simply being aware of these different beliefs about happiness—and that one can be flexible in these beliefs—is something to consider in order to maximize happiness and well-being in everyday life.

Lora Park, associate professor of psychology and director of the Self and Motivation Lab at the University of Buffalo College of Arts and Sciences

With information from express doctor

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