THE SCIENCE WHAT MAKES US HAPPY

When I can enjoy a round of golf or a weekend away at my family’s home at Lake Wallenpaupack without a crisis or a violent crime occurring, I am at peace and can enjoy life.

John Adams, Esq. Berks County District Attorney

As I grow older and my life becomes more complex, the things that make me happy become more simplified: My children, a good book, a sunny day and the time to enjoy them.

Charles Barbera, MD, President and Chief Executive Officer Reading Hospital/Tower Health

Meaningful relationships, both personally and professionally, offer an overall sense of life satisfaction. Therefore, forging and fostering positive relationships with family, friends, and colleagues provides overall happiness for me.

Dr. Jill M. Hackman, Executive Director Berks County Intermediate Unit

What really makes me happy is watching my daughter playing on the floor with my one-year-old grandson and reflecting on the fundamental importance of family in our lives.

Jim Gerlach, President and Chief Executive Officer Greater Reading Chamber Alliance

by D. Michael Baxter, MD, and Deborah Bevvino, PhD

Introduction

What makes us happy? It is highly doubtful that there is one clear answer to that question and that it is the same for each of us. There is clearly a degree of subjectivity to happiness and our experience verifies that some people are happier than others. As we ask ourselves, “What makes us happy?” this may be a particularly relevant topic for the present. We have just lived through the worst pandemic in 100 years, spending nearly two years in social isolation. Our political climate is infused with suspicion, misinformation, and vitriol, and too many of our communities are marked by violence, especially from guns.

In a 2022 survey by the opinion research group Ipsos, fewer than 20% of Americans reported that they were “very happy” and in that same year 25% of adults in the U.S. told an American Psychological Association poll that they were too stressed to function. These have been anything but “happy times.”

The Historical Search for Happiness

Although our subjective experiences may describe our individual definition of what makes us happy, there is good evidence that there are factors which we can control that can influence our happiness. The search for these has been a focus of attention throughout history including the attention of many of the greatest Greek philosophers. The Greek word eudaimonia, literally means “good spirit,” but is more readily translated as “happiness.” In ancient Greek philosophy it was recognized as the highest human good and closely linked with other terms, e.g., virtue, prudence, and justice. Aristotle described eudaimonia not as a pursuit of pleasurable experiences, but rather as an ethical way of living. More recent philosophers, e.g., John Locke, Samuel Johnson, and of course, Thomas Jefferson, wrote of “the pursuit of happiness” building on those earlier philosophical traditions which emphasized civic virtues, e.g,. courage, moderation, and justice as the basis of a life of happiness.

More recently, the subject of happiness has been the focus of scientific research. For example, beginning in 1938, a group of Harvard University researchers gathered health records and interviewed hundreds of individuals. In addition to answers to the question of “What makes us happy,” their work has produced a wealth of information (including evidence that happiness helps us live longer) emphasizing the importance of establishing quality relationships and finding meaning in what one does with their life experiences as sources of happiness. They found that wealth alone does not create happiness, but neither does the absence of money. Pleasure-seeking also does not have a lasting impact on one’s happiness. Indeed, the pursuit of pleasure, whether riches, power, sex, substances, or a myriad of other such interests, often lead to destructive forces which create sorrow and tragedy, not the “happiness” one may be seeking.

In this article we will move beyond the philosophical and explore the most recent scientific research exploring the biologic, psychologic, social, and even genetic factors that influence our happiness. The message is clear: We have the capacity to control our own happiness.

Positive Psychology: A Blueprint for Happiness

In July 2004, something curious happened in the discipline of psychology. People gathered in Verbania Pallanza, Italy, for the first International Conference on Positive Psychology. Lead by psychologist and consummate researcher Martin Seligman, known widely for his landmark work Authentic Happiness, a collaboration began among an international community of scholars from a variety of disciplines, including psychologists, business leaders, clinicians, and educators, to establish the science of happiness and human flourishing. It was here that the Positive Psychology movement germinated and took the world of mental health by storm. In contrast to the illness model that had characterized psychology to that point, the scientific study of positive psychology focuses on investigating and isolating human strengths and virtues that help individuals use their innate gifts to thrive and live with meaning and purpose and thus greater happiness. In a small town in the lovely Italian countryside, a blueprint for happiness, human thriving, and well-being was born to the scientific community.

Seligman and Mihalik Csikszentmihalyi (noted for his work on “flow”) are the founding fathers of the Positive Psychology movement. They were among the first to demonstrate the building blocks of the science of happiness and human flourishing. The collaboration of scholars furthered the growth of Positive Psychology research focusing on topics such as character traits, personal strengths, optimism, well-being, positive emotions, gratitude, compassion, and hope to better understand human flourishing and happiness.

At work I am happiest when our teams hear from grateful patients about how their compassionate care made an impact on their lives. A close second is sharing with our teams how their hard work and dedication have enabled us to hit our Quality goals. At home, I am happiest with my family around the dinner table, with no cell phones, and our two doggies Louie and Roxy laying patiently under the table for scraps to “accidentally” hit the floor.

Jim Bennett, Senior Vice President, Chief Operating Officer

Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center

My family and friends. Simple food. Winning a card game. At the end of the day, life is about a smile and a story.

Hamid Chaudhry

Berks County Businessman/Entrepreneur

What makes me truly happy is kindness. When people are genuinely caring for one another, friend and stranger alike. There is such discord and division these days and I think it is kindness that can truly change that and being kind and helping one another and witnessing that is what makes me happy.

Pastor Colleen Cox

Dean, West Berks Mission District, Evangelical Lutheran Church of America

I am happiest seeing those I love in my life happy—my family, friends and coworkers. I love watching people being happy—it’s a little glimpse into their hearts—seeing joy in their eyes, hearing laughter, and feeling warmth. True happiness by being content— both satisfied and happy is a gift. I find catching the joy and contentedness of others brings me happiness.

Wendy Clayton, MSN, RN; Vice President, Chief

Nursing Officer

Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center

As a seventh-generation farmer, a sunny day that helps plants grow or a calf being born. The laughter of my daughter, the next generation of our family and farm. Helping someone get their permit or an answer from a government agency that helps them build their dream. I find joy in the moments of peaceful stillness with my family, friends and farm.

Katie Hetherington Cunfer, Director of Government and Community Relations

Greater Reading Chamber Alliance

What makes me happy is to have my family around me. This spills into my work environment where I call the staff my work family. If I can help people to be the best that they can be, this always makes me happy.

Mary Kargbo, President/CEO Berks Community Health Center

continued on next page >

The Science of Happiness; What Makes Us Happy

continued from page 19

What makes me happy is enjoying the incredible natural beauty of Berks County. That and when the Nittany Lions and the Steelers win on the same weekend.

Kevin Murphy, President Berks County Community Foundation

I am happy when I spend quality time with my family and friends.

Monica Reyes, Vice President for Programs and Initiatives Berks County Community Foundation

I think in terms of fulfillment not just happiness. Both are good in my estimation. I am happy when I finally complete my never ending “to do” list and very fulfilled when my staff and I are able to make a difference in a constituent’s life.

Judy Schwank, State Senator Pennsylvania 11th Senatorial District

Knowing that every day I have the ability to positively impact our community. Sharing, laughing and making memories with my family.

Michael Toledo, President and Chief Executive Officer Centro Hispano Daniel Torres Inc.

Happiness is experiencing life with others...sharing love, hope, joy, gratitude, success, sorrow, struggle, disappointment and dreams. People are my happiness (dogs, too).

Tammy White, President United Way of Berks County

Humans have long been curious about the emotional, biologic, social, and personal basis for happiness. Aristotle wrote that happiness was the ultimate goal of the individual. William James in his 1890 book, The Principles of Psychology, wrote that positive emotions led to well-being. Einstein noted that a calm and modest life brings more happiness than the pursuit of success combined with constant restlessness. Though not psychology researchers, these great scholars of history were keen to understand what confers the simple yet elusive feelings of utter contentment, happiness, and well-being.

I remember one remarkable experience. Running late for work, I caught a red light. Annoyed by the delay, I sat impatiently waiting and noticed an elderly gentleman, likely in his 80s, sweeping his sidewalk. I immediately had a “good” feeling about how conscientious he was in caring for his environs. Then seconds later an elderly woman appeared and kissed him on the cheek. My heart swelled and I felt numerous positive feelings, many indescribable. Those positive feelings seemed to linger for the entire day and impacted my work and working relationships. Occasionally, I would find myself smiling when I thought of the incident. I now consider red lights full of possibility. DB

How Do We Know if We’re Happy?

So how do we know we are happy, content, or thriving? According to related research, our body informs us through a complex alchemy of biologic, psychologic, and genetic forces. Have you ever had an unexpected feeling that things are “just right”? Like all the atoms are lined up and we move through the day with joy and ease? We all would agree that our brain functions better when we feel this way.

Many years ago, Barbara Fredrickson, PhD, introduced her simple yet profound research on positive emotions, a focus of study previously ignored by the psychiatric community. Fredrickson, a colleague and ardent supporter of Seligman’s work, studied the deepening and broadening effect of positive emotions on the brain. After forty years of research, she found that positive emotions such as happiness have a butterfly effect that lead to other positive emotions through complex brain connections, pathways, and neurotransmitters. Through some mysterious, yet concrete, chemical processes, positive emotions seem to be able to broaden our scope of attention and increase cognition, which in turn builds physical, intellectual, social, and psychological resources. Cultivating our positive emotions such as happiness, seems a worthy pursuit toward well-being and a good life. Multiple studies have also shown that happiness has a positive impact on immunologic function, cardiac wellness, and overall improved health.

The Question of Genetics

Drilling down even further, we come to the question of genetics. According to some studies, Genes account for 40% of differences between people’s happiness. This is partly due to a predisposition to neurotransmitters and chemicals related to the emotional states of happiness, such as dopamine, serotonin, endorphins, and oxytocin. For a variety of reasons some individuals have varying levels of these chemicals which affect their individual levels of happiness and wellbeing. We now know there are numerous ways to activate and boost these chemicals. Exercise increases endorphins. Positive relationships produce oxytocin. Meditation produces dopamine. And walking in morning sunlight produces serotonin.

What About Personality?

In addition to genes and biology, personality influences happiness. The Big Five Personality cross cultural model identifies traits that influence our happiness and sense of well-being. These personality traits include an openness to experience, conscientiousness, agreeableness, extraversion, and neuroticism. Studies have found that these traits are important predictors of well-being. Both our personality traits and experiences can impact thoughts and beliefs about ourselves, others, and the world that will positively or negatively impact our happiness. Thus, being curious about how our thinking impacts our sense of happiness may be a valuable tool.

Can We Enhance Happiness?

Perhaps the most important question to ask is – given that our genes, biology, and personality play a significant role in our sense of happiness and well-being, can we learn to enhance our happiness and flourish with a sense of purpose and meaning? The good news is a resounding yes. It once seemed naive to think we could alter our gene expression, change our biology, improve our mood, or lessen our anxiety. Today we know that there are positive epigenetic effects of mind-body therapies such as mindfulness, selfexploration, gratitude practice, thought monitoring, meditation, yoga, journaling, exercise, tai chi, positive thinking, and positive social connections that can change how we move through the world. This means that we as individuals, families, and communities are in the driver’s seat on the road to happiness.

The Seligmans and Fredricksons of the scientific community have given us an excellent roadmap to human flourishing. Positive Psychology invites us to change our mind and behavior, and by doing so, we might even be able to change our genes. And what is it all for in the end? Certainly, for each of us to be happy, but more than that, it is to share that happiness to create a more just, peaceful, and healthful world.

Conclusion

There is a science of happiness including the more recent research into Positive Psychology that describes the biologic, psychologic, social, and even genetic factors which contribute to our feelings of happiness. Perhaps most critical, science shows us that we can control our own happiness as well as contribute to the happiness of others. And our level of happiness can directly affect our state of health and the quality of our lives. This is especially important information for us as physicians and other health care providers. Too often we see psychologically as well as physically impaired patients who are overcome with the negative factors in their lives. Their search for happiness can be distorted by individual circumstances such as disease, poverty, or social disturbances, and may lead to a self-destructive path for far too many. Understanding the research will assist us in our role as healers for our suffering patients.

Finding a Sense of Meaningfulness

As we contemplate our own quest for happiness, research and experience shows us that our thoughts and behaviors can contribute significantly to the quality of our lives, to a sense of contentment, fulfillment, and yes, that sense of well-being that we perceive as happiness. Finding a sense of meaningfulness in who we are and what we do, establishing a commitment to the achievement of eudaimonia, living in a just and virtuous way, and honestly connecting to one another, especially those family, friends, coworkers, and others who are at the center of our lives, are the steps to a happiness that is attainable for each of us.

Five Steps on the Path to Happiness

1. Connect closely and honestly to those most important in your life, especially family and friends.

2. Find meaning and joy in what you do, especially work and hobbies, and keep doing it.

3. Fret less about yesterday, worry less about tomorrow, and live fully in the moment.

4. Practice self-care—emphasizing good mental and physical health.

5. Live a life of integrity, kindness, and generosity, while expressing gratitude for what you have, not craving what you don’t have.

Dr. Bevvino is a clinical psychologist and has served as the Associate Director for Behavioral Medicine for the Reading Hospital Family Medicine Residency Program for over twenty years.

Dr. Baxter is the retired Chair of the Department of Family and Community Medicine at Reading Hospital and serves as the editor of the Medical Record.