What makes a person happy? Watching cute animal videos and indulging in hobbies can brighten one's day, but new research suggests that genetics plays a larger role in people's happiness than they might think. According to an article published in The Independent, television host Richard Madeley's daughter recently described her father as possessing a "gift of happiness," which may be true. Reflecting on the people in one's life who seem naturally brighter than others might lead to the question: "Is their life really perfect, or do they have a genetic advantage?"
Research published by The Independent indicates that well-being and life satisfaction—both important factors in overall happiness—can be inherited at a rate of 30 to 40%. Studies have identified 927 genes that may influence a person’s joy, suggesting that some individuals are born with happier temperaments than others. However, there is also evidence that lifestyle choices can significantly impact a person's emotional health.
Harvard's Study of Adult Development, which began in 1938 and continues today, is the longest study ever conducted on happiness. After conducting regular medical examinations—including brain scans and blood tests—on the same families over three generations, researchers concluded that while some aspects of happiness are genetic, the surrounding environment still plays a significant role.
Robert Waldinger, a professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, states: "We discovered that people in our study, who continued to prioritize connections and made those little daily decisions to communicate, are the ones who remained happiest and healthiest." Many studies examining happiness use identical twins as subjects since they share identical genes but have different life experiences. Nature and nurture continuously affect each other and human behavior, making it challenging to determine which has a more significant impact.
Scientists speculate that people's ability to change, also known as "environmental sensitivity," may influence their ability to enhance their happiness. Those with high environmental sensitivity are more affected by their surroundings or upbringing; while this can have negative impacts on their happiness, it also means that if they attend well-being classes or read self-help books, they are more likely to make and stick to positive changes in their lives.
Allowing oneself to appreciate their surroundings and being open to change can help create wonderful new habits that improve life over the long term. While a person's genetic makeup can't be altered, there are actions one can take to boost life satisfaction. For instance, spending enjoyable time with loved ones—such as family dinners, meeting friends for coffee, or celebrating special occasions—is crucial for attaining more happiness.
Maintaining strong connections is one of the most important things one can do to improve mental health. If someone finds themselves going through a tough period, they might find support and relief through a robust network of loved ones they can rely on. A failed plan, unexpected disappointment, or unwelcome surprise can easily disrupt the positive changes someone has made in their life; however, it’s vital to rise again after failure and remember that nothing is as bad as it seems. They should learn from their mistakes and keep trying until they succeed.
