Abstract
SummaryBeing happy is associated not only with better health, higher earnings and a longer life, but also with a stable family upbringing, stable financial situation, employment, good health, freedom and personal values. Psychiatrists may increase their patients' happiness by promoting effective, evidence-based mental healthcare. Individuals may enhance their own happiness by optimising physical and mental health; recognising the importance of personal values and happy communities; and optimising their financial situation. Government may boost citizens' happiness by deepening democracy; providing effective healthcare; supporting evidence-based well-being initiatives in communities; and then leaving citizens to seek out personal happiness in their own way.
Highlights
Systematic study of the social and psychological correlates of individual happiness has shown that happiness is associated with a range of specific circumstances, including a stable family upbringing, being employed, good physical and mental health, personal freedom and personal values, including religious belief.[8]
Some research identifies a peak in happiness at 65 years[12] and there is significant evidence to suggest that changes in happiness through the life cycle relate to changing preferences and circumstances rather than age per se.[11]
Psychiatrists and other mental health professionals are in daily contact with people who are unhappy as a result of mental illness and various forms of psychological distress
Summary
Systematic study of the social and psychological correlates of individual happiness has shown that happiness is associated with a range of specific circumstances, including a stable family upbringing, being employed, good physical and mental health, personal freedom and personal values, including religious belief.[8]. The relationship between happiness and age is complex, with some evidence suggesting that it is U-shaped, namely that happiness declines as mid-life approaches but increases in later life.[10] This relationship is not entirely clear, as the U shape is not apparent in studies which do not use controls.[11] Some research identifies a peak in happiness at 65 years[12] and there is significant evidence to suggest that changes in happiness through the life cycle relate to changing preferences and circumstances rather than age per se.[11]. Happiness is associated with genetic inheritance and this association is both substantial and robust, it is as yet poorly understood.[8]
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