Money may not buy happiness, but research shows having that money can make you happier. A study published in the American Psychological Association’s Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found three main components that contribute to a person’s happiness levels. They are:
- Personal wealth
- Personal possessions
- Optimism
The trio of feel-good components remained the same, regardless of the overall wealth of the country in which the people resided. What mattered more was the personal wealth and personal cache of stuff.
Although the study showed that acquiring more possessions or nabbing a job with a high salary can improve the overall positive outlook and happiness levels a person has, the link did not seem to hold true for the overall economic status of the country. The happiness factor also dies out if a person’s expectations continue to exceed reality.
While happiness may not be the end-call and cure-all for all stress and anxiety, it may be able to help reduce the negative stress that plays a role in etemophobia and other fears.
Does this mean you should run out and find a high-paying job no matter the cost? Not necessarily. The study did not touch on the stress that can come from many high-paying positions, the headaches that can come from owning lots of stuff, or the positive attitude that can come from simply being grateful for what you do have.
Read the full article in Science Daily: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/12/121203082256.htm
Check out the study: Ed Diener, Louis Tay, Shigehiro Oishi. Rising Income and the Subjective Well-Being of Nations.. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 2012.
