Sociological Conceptions of Happiness and its Implications for Psychotherapy and Public Policy

Ian Shaw

doi:10.4172/2167-1168.1000261

Abstract

This paper critiques the usefulness of cognitive-behavioural therapy, which is often seen as a means of redressing the loss of community and friendship networks within society. Therapy in this context they runs the danger of becoming an Iatrogenesis at worst and just another `technology of mood’ at best. In this paper we develop the critiques made elsewhere and provide a more nuanced argument that considers a wider range of psychological therapies. While all psychological therapies operate at an individual level, there are wide differences in the epistemological stances taken by differing therapeutic schools. Cognitive-behavioural therapy focuses on the idea of dysfunctional thinking within the individual, psychoanalytic therapy focuses upon developmental legacies, whereas person-centred therapy focuses on currently active social influences. In this form one to one therapy can be a route to change which is compatible with our sociological critique. However, the broader criticism that psychological therapies attempt to compensate for breakdowns in friendship and social networks remains. Furthermore reviews of psychotherapeutic outcome data and qualitative enquiry both point to the experience of authentic relationship rather than psychotherapeutic technique as the major determinant of outcome. Preventing social dislocation rather than trying to repair it post hoc should be the goal. This would beg a wider range of questions such as; what does social isolation actually mean in contemporary western society and what does this mean for people with mental health problems in particular? What are the various ways in which social networks provide support functions and what may be missing in an individual’s life and then what can be done to try and compensate for that lack?

Highlights

The study of happiness gathered new momentum a decade ago when the economist Richard Layard proposed that Governments should focus policy on the pursuit of happiness rather than wealth [1,2]
Layard’s analysis revealed that, in general, happiness in western countries including the UK had not increased despite significant increases in GDP since the end of World War II
Layard encouraged the adoption of the underlying philosophic principle, promoted originally by Jeremy Bentham and theUtilitarian School’ that society should aim at producing the greatest possible sum total of happiness [4]

Summary

Introduction

The study of happiness gathered new momentum a decade ago when the economist Richard Layard proposed that Governments should focus policy on the pursuit of happiness rather than wealth [1,2]. Layard’s analysis revealed that, in general, happiness in western countries including the UK had not increased despite significant increases in GDP since the end of World War II. Comparison of happiness across countries reveals that once incomes reach around US$20,000 per capita, increased wealth has no impact on aggregate happiness. Work by Wilkinson shows that increases in income at above this level has little impact upon improvements in health, and that societies need to focus upon service access and leveling inequalities for health gain [3]. We will provide an overview of these developments, followed by a critical sociological analysis which points to limitations and future directions for policy and practice

Happiness Research and its Implications for Policy and Practice

Therapy as a Pathway to Happiness

Findings

Future Directions for Policy and Practice