Bachelor in Psychosocial Studies

MODULE: EMOTION (EH315004S)

SID:1076596 /1 NAME:Bampatsia Eleni

Professor: 2011-2012

HAPPINESS

Because we always choose happiness for its own sake and never for a further underlying purpose., Aristoteles in Nikomachian Ethik

Emotions are part of the legacy of evolution: they help to perceive that something happens, it is important for our well-being. They evaluate complex information as an imminent threat within milliseconds. They control what to do, run away or fight for example, , before we can even think. They signal the mimic of other people in less than a fifth of a second. What we feel is influenced also culturally. Some feelings are shown in one culture completely at ease, however, becomes a taboo in other cultures and their expression is suppressed or masked. These assessments and display rules are not innate, but rather the result of a social learning process that begins in early childhood. According to Antonio Damasio, a neuroscientist who was best known for his work on consciousness research, emotions, are the secret directors of our everyday lives.One thing is certain: Emotions are not merely a legacy of animal evolution, who blocked the road to wisdom and reason. Rather, emotions are very useful because they encourage appropriate decisions and behavior.

Biology of emotion

Every emotion is always accompanied by a physical reaction. The more intense the emotion, the more clearly we respond. We can smile or laugh. We can even laugh so that we come to tears. We weep for joy, or because we are sad. And of course we can also recognize these physical reactions to other people. We can understand them only by their body language, as we understand the mime - without any words. This interplay between our thoughts, emotions and our body is inextricably linked. Scientists speak of the somatic markers. They can also be measured in laboratory experiments. The subjects are shown different images. Sensors in the face measure the muscle response. Every time the subjects see emotionally charged images reacts
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a certain muscle above the eyebrow. The same happens when unpleasant thoughts are called. At neutral or positive images however the muscle remains calm. This personification of feelings we experience constantly. Often we are really aware but if they are pronounced. Love comes with palpitations and "butterflies in the stomach." It is also possible to reverse this effect of somatic markers. Just as feelings influence our body, we can also reverse influence of conscious postures to our feelings. For example, when we fear or stress we often cringe, tense our body. If we become aware of this, we can rise up, take a deep breath - and feel better. Paul Ekman formulated a list of six basic emotions (Anger, Disgust, Fear, Happiness, Sadness and Surprise) based on facial muscles movements. This list of emotions were later expanded (1991) and it is undoubtlly that although the alphabet of emotions contains some basic emotions, we human are able to experience a vast majority of emotions, some of them are culturally defined. ( Watson, d., & Tellegen, a. 1985) What is the emotion of Happiness , Cognitive Aspects The emotion of happiness can be defined as satisfaction as a whole. Or as the degree to which a person qualifies positivelly the quality of their life. The happiness research pays attention to Happiness with the sense of subjective well-being. There are two types of subjective well-being: emotional "Well-being or Happiness "at the moment (presence of a positive emotional state and the absence of negative feelings in the here and now), Cognitive 'well-being:" Happiness "as a permanent feeling, an overall "satisfaction" with life. Here is a balance between what one wants (expectations) and what someone has. "The subjective well-being has cognitive and affective aspects. With the term affect we call moods and feelings, and they actually represent the direct assessment of an event in a person's life. The cognitive component on the other refers to the rational or intellectual aspects of subjective well-being and includes judgments and comparisons. Happiness is thus not simply given, but by the individual, that is to say subjectively, constructed, and depends very much on the past and present social environment. The definition of happiness is strongly historically and culturedependent. The contemporary view of the psychology points out three aspects of subjective well-being. life satisfaction, the presence of a positive and the absence of a negative emotional state. The cognition plays a major role in the emotional process and this is true for all emotional reactions, Happiness included. The major cognitive theories which try to explain emotional responces are the James-Lange Theory, the Schacter-Singer Theory and the more recent Lazarus Theory which build upon the former to interpret the emotional reaction in general.According to first theory ,The James-Lange theory of mood reactions is that emotions are side effects of physiological processes. The basic idea of this theory of emotion was found already in several earlier authors, for example, Ren Descartes, Aristotle,and Spinoza,. However, it was only after William James' work, "What is an Emotion?" (1884) which made it popular. Almost simultaneously, but independently of James, published by the Danish physiologist Carl Lange a book ("On Emotions", 1885), which in a similar manner considered emotions, so the theory coined. both the names of them. According to this theory in order to experience an emotion is first nedeed a
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cognitive interpretation of the physical response. It is quite possible that there are emotions, without an assessment taking place. The Schacter-Singer Theory or the two factors theory.According to this theory Nonspecific physiological arousal conditions the intensity of emotion, while cognition conditions the quality of the emotion caused by - (A) emotion-related evaluation of the situation - (B) Causal attribution of emotion on the basis of this assessment The Lazarus Theory. This more recent cognitive theory of emotion describes 4 dimensions of emotional differentiation|: Evaluation of an event (primary appraisal), Subjective probability (primary appraisal), potential coping (secondary appraisal) and Attribution of Merit / fault. In other words there are four emotional components: Cognitive component which consists of Assessing the Situation.Conative component: impulse to act (eg, escape). Physiological Component: heart rate, sweating, Etc, Experience component: feelings of Awareness of the three other components and "Syndrome: Strategy to address motivational relevant situation something that is phylogenetically adaptive. If we want to implement those theories on Happiness we can say in sum that: The cognitive aspect of happiness consists in a positive evaluation of our life, a judgment that at least on balance; it measures up favorably against our standard or expectations (Ruut Veenhoven 2006) Cultural Aspects of the emotion of Happiness In theory of Science there are two major theoretical approaches trying to interpret Human nature, Universalism and Cultural Relativism. The first advocating that there are universal psychological attributes, while the second advocating that most psychological procesess are culture specific, that is to say are determined by the culture which they belong. One notable example of this distinction is the work of Ruut Veenhoven in in this Area. Ruut Veenhoven and others (Shinobu Kirayama and Hazel Rose Markus) distinguishes two major ways Happines is experienced whether a person belongs to an individualistic or collectivist Society. In sum and with some degree of simplification, People belonging to individualistic societies as it is most contemporary western societies tend to experience more intense the emotion of happiness when they fulfill personal aspirations as it is freedom of choice in personal and Occupational life( A Marriage, Career Succses ). People belonging in collectivist Societies tend to experience Happiness when they feel are in tune with the goals of the social group (tribe etc) in which they belong.

Happiness in Positive Psychology

The Positive Psychology focuses on the exploration of the positive aspects of human life and coexistence, which makes life healthier, happier and better, so this branch of science differs from the traditional focus of psychology on clinical situations and emotional problems. The Positive Psychology in 1999, officially recognized as a new research direction in the psychology of America's leading psychologists (Martin Seligman, Ed Diener, Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi and others) (to the findings in detail, in particular, see Ben-Shahar 2007; Diener / Biswas-Diener 2008; Fredrickson, 2008 and Lyubomirsky, 2008).

Biology of emotion of Happiness

Where does the emotion of Happiness is born: The emotion of Happiness is born in amygdala. The amygdala, or amygdaloid body, is a part of the brain that manages the emotions and especially fears. At the anatomical level is also defined as a group of interconnected structures, forming part of the gray matter of the limbic system, placed above the brain stem, in the region of the temporal lobe, below the uncus and prior to the formation of 'hippocampus. Amygdala has an ovoid structure (in greek amygdala means almond) It is with the hippocampus the brain area involved in emotional responses. A kind of sorting system that labels the perceptions coming from the outside with the most appropriate emotional response. Several studies have shown that increased activation of the left brain, and particularly of the prefrontal lobe, corresponding to a positive response to an emotional reaction. Research by Richard Davidson of the University of Wisconsin shows, that the children who are more sociable and outgoing than their peers have a remarkably major activity to the left hemisphere, and that meditation increases activity of this brain area. How it is born the emotion of happiness. Inside our brain are taking place constant biochemical reactions which involve the use of substances which called neurotransmitters. Serotonin Neurotransmitter, contributes to stabilize the mood and regulate sleep. Low levels of serotonin are associated with disorders such as depression, anxiety, and post traumatic stress. On the serotonergic system Act drugs such as antidepressants or SSRIs, d-fenfluramine, but also drugs like LSD or ecstasy. Dopamine It is a neurotransmitter released by specific brain areas as nucleo accumbens and striatum. The dopamine comes into play when we try and anticipate a pleasant experience, driving us to implement or to repeat certain behaviours

Oxytocin it has been called the love hormone, because it goes into action during childbirth and sexual activity by helping to establish the bond between mother and child, but also the emotional relationship between two partners. Recent studies show that people who say they are in love have high levels of oxytocin in the blood, and that, given nasally, fosters a relationship of trust between humans. Endorphins Are endogenous opioids, opium-like substances that is produced by the organism, generate a sense of pleasure and reduce sensitivity. They seem to be responsible for the sense of well being felt by those who practice intense physical activity, The production of endorphins can be stimulated by sunlight, by meditation, or laughing.

Biological, genetic and personality psychological aspects

The genetic fusion of the genes decides many things: gender, hair color, susceptibility to metabolic diseases. Also, happiness. Twin studies have shown: to 50 percent. Genetically determined to a comparable extent are also the stable personalities characteristics of that Extraversion are beneficiariy to happiness. Neuroticism, however, is not. As all human behaviours and experiences Happiness has neuropsychological correlates, which in recent years are extensively studied with imaging of brain activity. Also many people see in health a necessary precondition for happiness. David Lykken and Auke Tellegen, two psychologists at the University of Minnesota, have shown that identical twins have exactly the same attitude towards happiness, even if they are raised apart. And recent studies show that individuals who have a shorter version - and therefore less efficient of the 5HTT gene that regulates the transport of serotonin, have a rate of neurosis and unhappiness more than normal.

Personality traits and the emotion of happiness

Since ancient times, has been attempted to typify people, among others, to predict human behavior in certain situations. Galeo, the great physician of antiquity, described on the basis of the classical theory of humors, the choleric (severe blood), phlegmatic (viscous blood), sanguine (light blood) and melancholic (black bile). Particularly popular in the 20th Century became the typology of Kretschmer (1977), which densely people around the belly and hips wide, are comfortable, leptosome
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however, with a thin face and thin body,are introverted,and finally pedantic, and athletic which are strong but cognitively inflexible. These types promoted stereotypes and are not acceptable in personality psychology today. Since the pioneering work of Eysenck, Cattell and Guilford in the fifties of the 20th Century dominate the study of personality the personality dimensions approach, which have firmly established the "Big Five" The "Big Five" personality traits according to Goldberg (1990) Compatibility: "I am someone who deals considerate and kind with others "; Extraversion: "I am someone who goes out of itself, is sociable"; Conscientiousness: "I am someone who stands firm to the end of a task"; Neuroticism: "I am someone who is slightly nervous "; Openness to new experiences: "I am someone who has a vivid imagination,".

These characteristics are personality "traits" and during life cource extremely stable. How do they affect well-being and happiness, was confirmed in hundreds of studies that investigated at different sampling and internationally. This in most cases confirms the definition of "happiness," as Eysenck (1983, 87) has formulated.

Happiness Factors, Close Relationships and Wealth

Happiness is enough by itself because it is not dependable from any other external think. It is by itself the highest good. But with these definitions we can conclude to a big misunderstanding. Happiness should not be seen as something undependable from anything else. Already Aristotle in ancient Greece new that happiness is closed interrelated with the society, the family, the circle of friends and finally to the whole nation. Essential factors to happiness (sources, resources) are loving social relationships (partner, family, friends) experience of belonging, physical and mental health, commitment and favorable employment and acquisition / or non-acquisition to work, experience of competence. Other factors are freedom - (experience of autonomy) positive attitude (in terms of gratitude, optimism, social comparisons, emotion management) and philosophy (spirituality, that is, a personal search for meaning in life and religiosity);and finally means of satisfying the material (basic) needs.

Partnership and Happiness

Married people tend to report higher personal well-being than divorced, separated, widowed, unmarried and cohabitating persons (Layard 2005:64). This raises again the question whether living together in a fixed and stable relationship makes you happy or if happier people tend to marry. Frey and Stutzer (2005) used data from the GSOEP to this question to find the answer. They looked at people between 20 and end of 30es and formed two groups. A group, that would marry later and a group that remains single. Because it is well known that Happiness in the period to the actual wedding is extremely positive and then later again, approaches averages, the authors consider only individuals who are at least four years away from their wedding. Asked to around 20 years to report those who are marrying later, a significantly higher well-being was found. Among the above 30 years, there is very little difference. In turn, those who are happier in later age where those which will marry. It seems that there is really a connection between personality traits, satisfaction and the chance to get married. This leads us to the question of whether to be happy is innate or is determined by our upbringing.

Married people are happier

These shows consistently studies from all continents (Argyle 2001, Hornung, 2005a, Myers, 1999; Waite, 1995). According to one of the largest survey sample (N = 163,000) married couples were up to 80 percent satisfied with their lives, singles up to 74 percent, widowed up to 71 percent, divorced at 65 percent (Inglehart, 1990). Veroff, Douvan & Kulka (1993) reported that American married women estimate 42 percent as "very happy", 26 percent of singles did so, divorcees up to 16 percent. For men was 35 percent and 19 percent less, for each subsequent category (singles, divorcees). Stack and Eshleman (1998) analyzed data from the World Values Survey of 17 countries and found that in 16 countries Married were significantly happier, even more so if they were satisfied with their financial situation and their health, something that is favored by the marital life (Diener et al., 2000).

The income-happiness Easterlin Paradox

in the '70s, Richard Easterlin, a U.S., economist and demographer has chosen to refer to a large number of people the questionnaires on quality of life by asking:
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"Taking your life as a whole, how things are going? Do you consider yourself very happy, pretty happy or unhappy? The results of Easterlin, even with all its virtues and its defects, it was so surprising and counterintuitive as to be passed to the history of the science of wellness, so that it fostered to a boom in research on Happiness: combining the responses of a large number of subjects, it was found that in countries with high income, growth of income per capita does not seem to lead to an increase of the average of individual happiness. People living in the material comforts that were not available 50 years ago: they had more food, more clothes, more cars, better medicines, have bigger houses and more comfortable, but were not happier. It is the income-happiness paradox: while the wealth of societies in the first world has continued to grow, their inhabitants had not become happier. Thus it was found that the happiness of Third World countries, although lower than that of First World countries, has grown significantly in recent decades. In contrast, the average level of happiness in the United States of America, in the last 50 years, remained steady or slightly diminished. In short: it seems that, once solved the problems of living, greater disposable income is no longer a factor that can increase the happiness of population. When a rise in income is used to meet the essential needs, then it improves people's lives, but once you reach a certain level of wealth, a further increase does not help anymore. It is an important result: investing in economic growth in order to increase the welfare and happiness of society may be necessary but not sufficient.

CONCLUSION Happiness is a core emotional state of humans with biological correlations and sociological implications. It is obviously a false dilemma to say that we ought to put all our resources into the biological component of happiness or do nothing. We noted that, on the socialization side, the largest experiment to make people happier involves the effects of economic growth. This we said has been largely a failure for nations once a certain minimal amount of economic prosperity has been reached (Oswald, 2005; Layard, 2005). However, this is not to say that all socialization attempts to improve our positive affect will fail. For example, in terms of public policy it has been suggested that economic policies that minimize unemployment may do much more for aggregate happiness than policies that favour economic growth (Oswald, 1997). The reason is that unemployment, or the fear of unemployment, can have a large negative impact on happiness, whereas, as mentioned, increased economic output (above a certain minimum) does not have much effect on happiness.

REFERENCE
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Argyle Michael The Psychology of Happiness (2nd Edition) Routledge, 2001

DeNeve KM, Cooper H. 1998. The happy personality: a meta-analysis of 137 personality traits and subjective well-being. Psychol. Bull. 124:197229 Damasio a . Looking for Spinoza: Joy, Sorrow and the Feeling Brain, Heinemann 2010 Diener, Ed., and Biswas-Diener, Robert. (2008) Happiness: Unlocking the mysteries of psychological wealth. D. Kahneman, Objective Happiness, in D. KAHNEMAN, E. DIENER, N. SCHWARTZ Wellbeing: The foundations of hedonic psychology, Russell Sage Foundation, New York 1999, pp. 5-7. 6 Ivi, pp. 7-8.

Diener, E. & Schwarz, N. (Eds.) Well-being: The foundations of hedonic psychology (pp. 213-229). New York: Russell Sage Foundation
Eysenck, H. J. (1983). I do: your guide to a happy marriage. London: Century

Easterlin, R. (2003). Towards a Better Theory of Happiness in Economics. Paper presented at the International Conference The paradoxes of happiness in economics. March 2003. Milan.
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Layard, R. (2005) Happiness: Lessons From a New Science, New York and London: Penguin. Lyubomirsky, S. (2008). In S. J. Lopez (Ed.), Positive psychology: Exploring the best in people (pp. ix-xi). Westport, CT: Greenwood Publishing Group Myers, David (2000): The Funds, Friends, and Faith of Happy People Happier:American Psychologist Vol 55, No 1, pp 56-67

Oswald Andrew J. Happiness and Economic Performance,Forthcoming: Economic Journal 1997, Department of Economics University of Warwick Stack, S. & Eshleman, J.R. (1998). Marital status and happiness: A 17nation study. Journal of Marriage and the Family, 60(2), 527536.
Stutzer Alois and Bruno S. Frey Does Marriage Make People Happy,Or Do Happy People Get Married Working Paper No. 143 January 2003

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Tal Ben-Shahar (2007) Happier: Learn the Secrets to Daily Joy and Lasting Fulfillment., McGraw-Hill Professional. Tellegen, Auke; Lykken, David T.; Bouchard, Thomas J.; Wilcox, Kimerly J.; Segal, Nancy L.; Rich, Stephen. Personality similarity in twins reared apart and together. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, Vol 54(6), Jun 1988, 1031-1039
Veenhoven, Ruut (1991): Questions on Happiness - Classical topics, modern answers, blind spots; In: Strack, Argyle, Schwarz (Hrsg) (1991): Subjective Wellbeing, an interdisciplinary perspective, pp 7-26, London, Pergamon Press

Veenhoven, Ruut (2006): How do we assess how happy we are? tenets, implications and tenability of three theories Erasmus University Rotterdam, The Netherlands, Watson, d., & Tellegen, a. (1985). Toward a consensual structure of mood. Psychological Bulletin, 98, 219-235.

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