While 40% of our happiness (or unhappiness) is due to our own actions, 50% is set by our genes, and another 10% is unaccounted for, at least that’s what psychology professor Sonja Lyubomirsky says in her new book The How of Happiness. She also notes, “Antidepressants don’t make people happier; they just decrease negative emotions.”
Lyubomrisky’s book was featured on a recent episode of 20/20 titled “Positive Psychology: The Pursuit of Happiness”.
The 20/20 episode also stated that those people who are the happiest in life are those that “practice acts of kindness, are able to lose themselves in what they do and avoid dwelling on their problems.”
Last reviewed: By John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on 14 Jan 2008
Published on PsychCentral.com. All rights reserved.
APA Reference
Bechdel, J. (2008). 40% of Happiness/Unhappiness Due to Our Own Actions. Psych Central. Retrieved on June 19, 2013, from http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2008/01/13/40-of-happiness-or-unhappiness-due-to-our-own-actions/
Bechdel, J. (2008). 40% of Happiness/Unhappiness Due to Our Own Actions. Psych Central. Retrieved on June 19, 2013, from http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2008/01/13/40-of-happiness-or-unhappiness-due-to-our-own-actions/
