Psychological research on the causes of happiness

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SUMMARY

This discussion centers on the psychological research surrounding the causes of happiness, highlighting findings from TED talks by psychologists such as Dan Gilbert and Dan Ariely. Key conclusions include that people are generally more satisfied with irrevocable decisions, the impact of social influences on honesty, and the phenomenon of hedonic adaptation, where individuals return to baseline happiness levels after significant life changes. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding these psychological principles to enhance personal well-being.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of psychological concepts such as hedonic adaptation and decision-making biases.
  • Familiarity with TED talks and their role in disseminating psychological research.
  • Knowledge of cognitive psychology principles, particularly those related to happiness and satisfaction.
  • Awareness of statistical generalizations derived from psychological experiments.
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore Dan Gilbert's TED talk "Why are we happy? Why aren't we happy?" for insights on happiness prediction.
  • Research Dan Ariely's work on decision-making and behavioral economics to understand cognitive biases.
  • Investigate studies on hedonic adaptation and its implications for long-term happiness.
  • Examine the paradox of choice and its effects on satisfaction and decision-making processes.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for psychologists, behavioral economists, and anyone interested in enhancing their understanding of happiness and decision-making processes. It provides valuable insights for individuals seeking to improve their mental well-being through informed choices.

  • #31
Math Is Hard said:
Why are there so many female PFers in this thread?

We should have a Sisterhood meeting!

Bora Bora would cause me happiness :smile:
 
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  • #32
Must be that us women are all so dang happy.

And, yeah, WHAT MOONBEAR SAID!

Go Moonbear!
 
  • #33
Georginia, no, actually...I did not take anything out of context, because the meaning of the word "OR" is "one or the other"..I said OR, and I meant OR! I specifically stated OR because I thought it would be ok to keep a semi informal discussion.

The purpose of references is so that people who are interested in doing the fact checking can do so. If you are so inclined, it takes all of about 1.5 hours to listen to all of these amazing talks, and all of about 1 millisecond to pull up the talks on Google.

It is really irrelevant to me whether or not you agree or disagree with the conclusions listed here. I am simply summarizing them, not arguing them.

I'm beginning to wish that I just kept this to myself.
 
  • #34
lisab said:
We should have a Sisterhood meeting!

Bora Bora would cause me happiness :smile:

Is that in the list? :smile:
 
  • #35
Okay then some, contentment contendings from the sofa, feet on coffee table, chateauneuf du pape in rummer, unnerved by previous ponderings,

happiness is about attempts and progress towards a Big End Goal, to go where you want to, especially when it leads to the feeling of making the world a better place to live.

It's also about being accepted and respected within the social group in the special place that one desires.

To some happiness is about making others unhappy but happiness is mostly about making others happy instead.

Now, off to Bora Bora (if I win that lottery)
 

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