Greater Happiness Research Articles

Parental Sanctification, God Images, and Parental Happiness and Satisfaction in the United States

AbstractThe goal of this study was to assess the relationship between non‐theistic parental sanctification and well‐being among parents, and whether parents’ primary images of God (authoritative, benevolent, critical, and distant) modified this relationship among American parents. Drawing on nationally representative data from the 2014 Baylor Religion Survey (N = 1078), our cross‐sectional results suggest that non‐theistic sanctification was linked to greater overall happiness and satisfaction in the parental role. We also found consistent evidence that the relationship between non‐theistic parental sanctification and greater happiness and parental satisfaction was stronger for individuals with either an authoritative or benevolent God image, and weaker among those with parents with a distant God image. The study of sanctification in conjunction with images of the divine offers one fruitful approach to understanding both the benefits and risks of integrating religion/spirituality into daily life.

Association between Jewish religious observance and mental health among Israeli adults: Findings from the Global Flourishing Study.

This study investigates the association between Jewish religious observance and several indicators of mental health and psychological well-being among Jewish Israeli adults. Data are from adult (18+) Jewish respondents in the Israeli sample (N = 2958) of the first wave of the Global Flourishing Study (GFS), a 22-nation population survey which will eventually consist of five annual waves of panel data. The GFS Israeli data were collected via a randomized, stratified, probability-based sampling design, and contained dozens of indicators of sociodemographic, socioeconomic, political, religious, health-related, and other constructs. Measures of Jewish religious observance, including religious service attendance, prayer, scripture reading, belief in God, and importance of Judaism, are statistically significant predictors of several single-item indicators of mental health (overall mental health, depression, anxiety) and psychological well-being (suffering, happiness, life satisfaction). Greater religious observance is associated with a higher self-rating of overall mental health, less depression and anxiety, less suffering, and greater happiness and life satisfaction. Nearly all results withstood adjusting for effects of several sociodemographic covariates. These results offer confirmation of prior studies using smaller samples or non-population-based designs and with fewer mental health and religious indicators. They suggest that evidence for a salutary association between religious observance and mental health or psychological well-being among Israeli Jewish adults is consistent with findings in this literature for adherents to other faith traditions throughout the world.

Happiness in urban environments: what we know and don’t know yet

There is no consensus on what makes for a livable urban environment. This requires empirical assessment of the relationship between urban characteristics and the happiness of residents. We took stock of the available research findings, using the World Database of Happiness; 445 findings are considered, from 20 nations over the years 1975–2022. We considered 3 aspects of the urban environment, 1) objectively assessed characteristics, 2) subjective perception of urban characteristics and 3) satisfaction with urban characteristics. Urbanites tend to be happier in places characterized by the following objectively assessed features: a) access to local green/nature, b) access to cultural facilities and leisure amenities, c) access to healthcare, d) access to public goods such as access to sewage and water supply and e) access to public spaces. On the other hand, residents tend to be less happy the closer they live to f) shops, g) public transportation hubs and h) the city center. Subjectively perceived environmental characteristics that go with greater happiness are: i) amenities, j) public goods in vicinity k) playground and sport facilities, while l) perceived air pollution is negatively linked to happiness. Residents were found to be happier the more satisfied they are with m) connectivity and local transport, n) local recreation o) water quality and the, p) environment as-a-whole. Correlations with objectively assessed characteristics. with the urban environment are smaller than with subjective perceptions of the same and differ in direction for living close to q) shops and r) public transportation hubs. While objective closeness to these amenities relates negatively to happiness, subjectively perceived availability and satisfaction with these amenities relates positively to happiness. Most of the available findings are of a cross-sectional nature and do not inform us about cause and effect. This strand of research is still in its infancy. By lack of a sound evidence base, claims about livability of urban settings will remain a matter of subjective hunches and sales-talk.

Perceived accountability to God, the religious role, and psychological well-being

ABSTRACT Accountability is a relationally responsive virtue that bears meaningful connection to religion and spirituality in addition to well-being and flourishing. We consider how perceptions of accountability to God are associated with psychological well-being and how this may be conditioned by other aspects of the “religious role,” religious attendance, prayer, and biblical literalism. We draw on national data from the 2017 Baylor Religion Survey. Results suggest that accountability to God was associated with lower depressive symptoms and greater happiness but did not have a significant association with symptoms of anxiety. More frequent prayer strengthened the favourable association between accountability to God and psychological well-being. The relationship between accountability to God and better psychological well-being was also strengthened by high (weekly or more) religious attendance. Finally, our results also suggested that a literalist interpretation of the Bible in the context of low accountability to God was associated with lower psychological well-being.

Moral identity in relation to emotional well-being: a meta-analysis.

This meta-analytic review surveyed previous empirical studies that examined links between moral identity and indicators of emotional well-being. Additionally, this meta-analysis examined cultural origin as a moderator, testing if links between moral identity and emotional well-being differ in collectivistic vs. individualistic countries. A systematic literature review was conducted through ProQuest's 65 databases and PubMed. A random-effect meta-analysis and subgroup analyses were conducted using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis 4.0 (CMA) software. Drawing on 27 eligible studies, moral identity was associated with greater emotional well-being (r = 0.27, p < 0.001). Follow up analyses on individual dimensions showed medium effect sizes in links between moral identity and greater happiness or positive affect (r = 0.28, p < 0.001), greater sense of purpose or meaning in life (r = 0.29, p < 0.001), and higher self-esteem (r = 0.25, p < 0.001). Moreover, moral identity was associated with greater life satisfaction showing a small effect size (r = 0.15, p = 0.011). Results showed that effect sizes of links between moral identity and overall emotional well-being did not significantly differ by cultural origin. However, effect sizes tended to be larger in the nine studies that were conducted in collectivistic countries (r = 0.30, p < 0.001) as compared to the 15 studies that were conducted in individualistic countries (r = 0.27, p < 0.001). The results of this meta-analysis indicate a robust empirical relationship between moral identity and emotional well-being that is present across various dimensions of emotional well-being and in both individualistic and collectivistic cultures. https://osf.io/94f8b/?view_only=6db54da0fa304c83993d0438ecb5c637.

Perceptions of bias in HIV prevention services, happiness with social support, and anticipated PrEP stigma among Black and Latine/x sexual and gender diverse individuals

ABSTRACT Although pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a highly effective preventive treatment for HIV, anticipated PrEP stigma can hinder uptake. Perceptions of bias in HIV prevention and evaluations (e.g., happiness) tied to social support among Black and Latine/x sexual and gender diverse (SGD) individuals could be important correlates of anticipated PrEP stigma. To further this line of inquiry, a national sample of 872 Black and Latine/x SGD individuals who had and had never taken PrEP (Mage = 25.1, SD = 2.8) reported how they perceived HIV prevention and how happy they were with their social support. Multivariable linear regressions revealed that greater perceptions of bias in HIV prevention services were associated with higher anticipated PrEP stigma among Black and Latine/x SGD individuals who have never taken PrEP. Greater happiness with friend support was associated with lower PrEP stigma, whereas greater happiness with family support was associated with higher PrEP stigma among individuals who have taken PrEP. Findings highlight the need for PrEP and HIV interventions to address the intersectional stigma attached to prevention and for researchers to understand how evaluations of social support may contribute to stigma among Black and Latine/x SGD individuals.

Compassion Dynamics in Medical Students: An Ecological Momentary Assessment Study.

Effective interventions to support compassionate patient- and self-care requires an understanding of how to best assess compassion. Micro-ecological momentary assessment (micro-EMA), a method in which participants provide brief responses in real-time within their own environments, can capture changes in compassion across time and contexts. This study examined a micro-EMA approach for measuring the temporal dynamics of compassion in medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Medical students (N = 47) completed demographic information and self-report questionnaires assessing empathy and compassion for self and others. Participants then completed six bursts of micro-EMA smartphone-delivered surveys. Each burst was 14days, with 28days between bursts. During each burst, participants received four daily micro-EMA surveys assessing compassion, stress, positive affect, and negative affect. Dynamic structural equation modeling was used to examine micro-EMA responses. The overall micro-EMA response rate was 83.75%. On average, daily compassion did not significantly change across the academic year. However, there was significant within-person variability in medical students' compassion trajectories over the training year (b = 0.027, p < .01). At concurrent timepoints, micro-EMA assessed compassion was associated with greater happiness (b = 0.142, p < .001) and lower stress (b = -0.052, p < .05) but was not associated with sadness. In lagged analyses, higher micro-EMA assessed compassion predicted higher next day happiness (b = 0.116, p < .01) and vice versa (b = 0.185, p < .01). Results suggest it is feasible to use micro-EMA to assess daily levels of compassion among medical students. Additionally, there is wide variability in day-to-day fluctuations in compassion levels among medical students, with some students showing substantial increases in daily compassion across the training year and others showing decreases. Positive affect as opposed to negative affect may have particularly strong associations with compassion. Further examination of antecedents and consequences of fluctuations in daily compassion could inform potent intervention targets.

한국 노인의 소득 변화와 건강 지표 간의 관계: 2022년 지역사회건강조사를 중심으로

Objective : The main objective of this study is to investigate the relationship between income changes among the elderly and various health-related variables to provide fundamental insights into elderly welfare and healthcare management. Methods : This study utilized data from the 2022 Community Health Survey of the Republic of Korea, focusing on individuals aged 65 and above. Analytical methods included one-way ANOVA and Pearson's correlation analysis to examine the associations between income changes and health-related variables. Results : The results revealed a significant relationship between income changes and several key health indicators among the elderly. It was observed that increasing income was associated with higher levels of overall health, lower stress, increased physical activity, improved oral health, greater happiness, and other positive health-related outcomes. In contrast, decreased income was linked to poorer health, higher stress levels, and lower overall well-being among elderly individuals. Conclusion : These findings emphasize the critical role of income levels in elderly welfare and healthcare management. Policy initiatives and programs aimed at supporting the elderly should consider income as a key factor, along with promoting physical activity, stress management, and overall happiness. These efforts can contribute to improving the quality of life and health outcomes among the elderly population.

Relationship Between Family Social Support and Elderly Happiness

This article discusses the issue of unhappiness among elderly individuals due to a lack of social support and attention from their family and immediate environment. The study aims to examine the connection between family social support and the happiness of the elderly. The research method used is quantitative, using a correlational approach. The population for the study consisted of 208 individuals, with a sample size of 68 people selected through simple random sampling. The researchers employed a Likert scale to collect data on social support and happiness. Questionnaires were used for data collection, and statistical analysis was conducted using the product moment correlation test. The results indicate a significant positive relationship (rxy = 0.648, p = 0.000) between family social support and elderly happiness. In conclusion, the study establishes that there is a direct relationship between higher levels of family social support and greater happiness among the elderly. Conversely, lower levels of family social support result in decreased happiness in the elderly.

Development of an Emotional Divorce Model in Women Using Happiness, Religious Attitude, and Marital Satisfaction

Background: This study aimed to elucidate a model of emotional divorce in Iranian Muslim women, based on factors such as happiness, religious attitude, and marital satisfaction.&#x0D; Methods: This research employed an applied approach with a descriptive-correlational design. The research sample comprised 337 married Muslim women of Yazd in 2021, selected using convenience sampling. In the model developed, the variables included happiness and religious attitude (exogenous variables), marital satisfaction (endogenous mediator variable), and emotional divorce (endogenous variable). Participants completed a demographic questionnaire, the Oxford Happiness Inventory (OHI), Gutman's Emotional Divorce Questionnaire (GEDQ), the Religion Assessment Questionnaire (RAQ), and the ENRICH Marital Satisfaction Scale (EMSS). Data analysis was performed using SPSS-21 and LISREL-8.80 software. The Sobel test was also utilized to explore the mediating role of marital satisfaction.&#x0D; Results: The findings revealed that happiness has a direct and significant impact on marital satisfaction. Happiness, religious attitude, and marital satisfaction all exhibited significant and direct effects on emotional divorce (p &lt; 0.05). Additionally, happiness, through its influence on marital satisfaction, was found to affect the emotional divorce of women.&#x0D; Conclusion: It can be inferred that higher levels of happiness in women are associated with increased marital satisfaction. Moreover, greater happiness and marital satisfaction in women correspond to a reduced likelihood of experiencing emotional divorce in the future.

Bidirectional Associations Between Daily Sleep and Wake Behaviors in Urban American Indian/Alaska Native Youth

PurposeThis is the first study to examine daily, bidirectional associations between sleep and wake behaviors/mood in urban American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) adolescents. MethodsParticipants were 142 urban AI/AN adolescents (mean age = 14 years, 58% female). Sleep was measured with actigraphy (total sleep time [TST] and sleep efficiency) and daily diary (bedtime, wakeup time, and sleep quality) over seven consecutive days. Wake behaviors (caffeine consumption, physical activity, participation in cultural activities, and electronic use after 8p.m.) and mood upon awakening (higher rating indicates greater happiness) were measured via daily diary for seven consecutive days. Multilevel models examined the degree to which nightly sleep predicted next day's wake behaviors and, conversely, wake behaviors and mood predicted nightly sleep, controlling for age, gender, and weekday/weekend. ResultsEarlier bedtime and wakeup times predicted greater participation in physical activity the following day. Later bedtime and wakeup time, worse sleep quality, and shorter TST predicted greater electronic use the following night. Earlier bedtime and wakeup time and better sleep quality predicted higher mood ratings. Conversely, greater caffeine consumption during the day predicted both later bedtime and wakeup time. Participation in cultural activities is predicted later bedtime. More nighttime electronic use predicted both later bedtime and wakeup time, poorer sleep quality, and worse TST and sleep efficiency. Higher mood ratings in the morning predicted earlier bedtime and later wakeup time. DiscussionFindings highlight dynamic associations between sleep and wake behaviors and mood in AI/AN adolescents and may elucidate novel pathways for intervention and future research.

The curative effect of schools: A longitudinal study of the impact of school climate, school identification, and resilience on adolescent mental health.

Mental illness in adolescents is on the rise, thus it is vital to study factors that can improve youth mental health. The extant theory and research have identified both social (school climate; school identification) and individual (resilience) constructs as protectors of mental health. However, these protective factors remain in silo and require further integration. To address this issue, the present study proposed and investigated an integrative model in which social factors (i.e., school climate, school identification) nurture individual (i.e., resilience) protective factors, which in turn impact adolescent mental health. Using three-wave longitudinal data (2017-2019) from school students (Grades 7-8; N = 1,357), we found evidence supporting the integrated model examining five dimensions of mental health: anxiety, depression, happiness, life satisfaction, and positive affect. Greater Wave 1 school climate predicted greater identification 1 year later, which in turn predicted greater resilience. Furthermore, greater resilience predicted lower depression and anxiety, and greater happiness, life satisfaction, and positive affect 1 year later. These results support efforts to strengthen the school climate and reconceptualize resilience as an outcome of social processes. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Engaging in the good with technology: a framework for examining positive technology use.

The focus on the negative side of technology has become a prominent factor in the understanding of the interactions between humans and technology. However, there is a positive side to technology use that has been less investigated in scientific research. Well-being researchers have determined that it is not just the absence of negative emotions or experiences, but rather the presence and frequency of positive ones that matter most. Therefore, despite the scarcity of research on the positive side of technology, the present conceptual paper focuses on how technology may be used for the good to produce psychological benefits (e.g., greater happiness, lower loneliness, higher peer endorsement). Based on existing literature, we posit at least three directions for good interactions with technology: (1) "seeing good" by focusing on positive visual cues through technology use; (2) "feeling good" by focusing on good feelings that arise from technology use; and (3) "doing good" by focusing on positive actions that can be enacted via technology use. Based on the synthesis of these three components, we propose a framework for technology laden engagement in the good, dubbed as, the Engagement in the Good with Technology (EGT) Framework. Through this framework, we explain how these three distinct aspects of seeing, feeling, and doing good can co-occur and be interrelated, and in turn potentially lead to upward spirals of positive outcomes.

Gastronomic experiences on tourists’ life satisfaction and happiness: The case of Porto

The tourists' gastronomic experiences are important in developing a destination branding strategy, especially if this translates into greater happiness and tourists' life satisfaction. We intend to study the influence of five gastronomic/food experience variables on the tourists’ life satisfaction and happiness. After inquiring 352 tourists in Porto, the data were analysed through SEM and SPSS/AMOS software. The results validate the hypotheses concerning refreshment and hedonic/novelty experiences, which improve tourists’ satisfaction and happiness. The adverse experiences reduce the tourists' happiness, and lastly, tourists' life satisfaction with the gastronomic/food experience improves their happiness. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

The Effects of Subjective Social Class on Subjective Well-Being and Mental Health: A Moderated Mediation Model.

In recent decades, China's rapid economic growth has substantially improved average living standards; however, this has not been accompanied by greater happiness among the Chinese population. This phenomenon is known as the Easterlin Paradox (i.e., there is no link between a society's economic development and its average level of happiness) in Western countries. This study examined the effects of subjective social class on subjective well-being and mental health in China. Consequently, we found that individuals in a relatively low social class had lower levels of subjective well-being and mental health; self-class discrepancy partially explains the relationship between subjective social class and subjective well-being and fully explains the relationship between subjective social class and mental health; and subjective social mobility moderates the path from self-class discrepancy to subjective well-being and mental health. These findings suggest that enhancing social mobility is an important method for reducing class differences in subjective well-being and mental health. These results have important implications, indicating that enhancing social mobility is an important method for reducing class differences in subjective well-being and mental health in China.

Mind-stimulating leisure activities: Prospective associations with health, wellbeing, and longevity.

This study examines prospective associations within a 6-year perspective between three mind-stimulating leisure activities (relaxed and solitary: reading; serious and solitary: doing number and word games; serious and social: playing cards and games) and 21 outcomes in (1) physical health, (2) wellbeing, (3) daily life functioning, (4) cognitive impairment, and (5) longevity domains. Data were obtained from 19,821 middle-aged and older adults from 15 countries participating in the Survey of Health, Ageing, and Retirement in Europe (SHARE). Temporal associations were obtained using generalized estimating equations. All models were controlled for prior sociodemographic, personality, lifestyle factors, health behaviors, and pre-baseline leisure activity values and all outcome variables. The Bonferroni correction was used to correct for multiple testing. E-values were calculated to examine the sensitivity of the associations to unmeasured confounding. Secondary analyses (1) under the complete case scenario, (2) after excluding respondents with health conditions, and (3) using a limited set of covariates were conducted to provide evidence for the robustness of the results. The relaxed solitary activity of reading almost daily was prospectively associated with a lower risk of depression, experiencing pain, daily functioning limitations, cognitive impairment, lower loneliness scores, and more favorable wellbeing outcomes. Engaging in serious solitary leisure activities almost daily was prospectively associated with a lower risk of depression, feeling full of energy, and a lower risk of death by any cause. Occasionally engaging in these activities was prospectively associated with greater optimism and a lower risk of cognitive impairment. Engaging in serious social activities was prospectively associated with greater happiness, lower scores on the loneliness scale, a lower risk of Alzheimer's disease, and an increased risk of cancer. Additionally, occasionally engaging in serious social activities was associated with greater optimism and lower risk of depression, pain, and mobility limitations. These associations were independent of demographics, socioeconomic status, personality, history of diseases, and prior lifestyle. The sensitivity analyses provided substantial evidence for the robustness of these associations. Mind-engaging leisure activities can be considered a health and wellbeing resource. Practitioners may consider them tools that help middle-aged and older adults maintain their health and quality of life.

Associations of parent-child exercise with family relations and parental mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic

BackgroundDue to COVID-19 pandemic and behavior restrictions, deterioration of family relations and mental health in child-rearing households has been reported. This study examined whether frequent parent-child exercise (PCE) is associated with improved family relations and parental mental health under COVID-19. MethodsUsing data from the Japan COVID-19 and Society Internet Survey (JACSIS), a nationwide survey conducted in August–September 2020, we extracted respondents with children aged 6 to 18 years (n = 2960). Logistic regression was performed to investigate the association between PCE frequency and changes in family relations and parental mental health. ResultsCompared with participants with 6–12-years old children, those with 13–18-years old children reported less PCE. Among participants with 6–12-years old children, compared to those without PCE, those conducted PCE more than once per week reported more improved relation with children and greater happiness (ORs ≥ 1.69), controlling covariates. Those conducted PCE 3 or more times a week also reported decreased loneliness (OR = 0.68). Whereas PCE conducted 1–2 times a month was not associated with any changes in participants with children of 6–12-years old, it was associated with more improved relations with children and spouses in participants with children of 13–18-years old (ORs ≥ 1.98). DiscussionThis study is the first to investigate the association of PCE with family relations and parental mental health under COVID-19. Our results suggest that PCE may enhance family relations and parental mental health and the effect may differ according to child's age.

The Role of School and Community Involvement in the Psychosocial Health Outcomes of Black and Latinx LGBTQ Youth

PurposeLesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer-identified (LGBTQ) youth of color face poorer psychosocial health outcomes than their non-LGBTQ peers. Research suggests school-based and community activities promote psychosocial health for LGBTQ youth, but study samples are predominantly White. This study tested whether school enrollment and seven community activities were associated with LGBTQ community connectedness, happiness, and health among Black and Latinx LGBTQ youth. MethodsThis study used a subsample of Black and Latinx LGBTQ adolescents and young adults (N = 472) from the Social Justice Sexuality project. Mean differences in study variables were examined across intersectional racial/gender identity categories. Multiple regression analyses assessed the association of school enrollment and community activities with psychosocial health outcomes, accounting for covariates. ResultsSocial activities for LGBTQ people (ß = 0.19) and LGBTQ people of color (POC; ß = 0.15) were associated with greater LGBTQ connectedness. While moderate religious services attendance (ß = −0.13) was associated with lower LGBTQ connectedness, high attendance was associated with greater happiness (ß = 0.13) and health (ß = 0.12). Social activities for LGBTQ-POC (ß = 0.13) were also associated with better health. School enrollment was not significantly associated with any outcomes and Latinx transgender and diverse youth had the lowest happiness and health. DiscussionSocial activities for LGBTQ people and LGBTQ-POC may play a role in the social connectedness and health of Black and Latinx LGBTQ youth, while frequent religious service attendance may support health and happiness. Schools and faith institutions should ensure their institutions are welcoming to LGBTQ youth. Public health workers might facilitate the involvement and inclusion of LGBTQ youth, while policy should support funding for community activities.

TIME HORIZONS VERSUS TIME SAVORING: WHICH BEST PREDICTS AGE-RELATED IMPROVEMENTS IN EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING?

Abstract Previous research has shown that time horizons, as measured by the future time perspective (FTP) scale, yields mixed findings about the relationship between perceived time and emotional well-being. Expansive time horizons often predict better well-being than limited time horizons, raising questions about a core postulate of socioemotional selectivity theory (SST). The present study introduces a more nuanced construct about perceived time and introduces a new scale, time savoring, which captures the heightened value of time as time becomes more limited. Based on 1,384 participants (Mage = 54.55, age range = 18-96), time savoring and age are positively correlated (r(1,382) = .23, p &amp;lt; .001). Time savoring partially mediates age and well-being (i.e., greater happiness, lower depressive symptoms, and higher life satisfaction). Parallel mediation with multiple mediators demonstrated the measure’s discriminant validity from FTP and personality measures (e.g., agreeableness and conscientiousness), offering a promising way to measure heightened value of time.

Emotional responses in Papua New Guinea show negligible evidence for a universal effect of major versus minor music

Music is a vital part of most cultures and has a strong impact on emotions [1–5]. In Western cultures, emotive valence is strongly influenced by major and minor melodies and harmony (chords and their progressions) [6–13]. Yet, how pitch and harmony affect our emotions, and to what extent these effects are culturally mediated or universal, is hotly debated [2, 5, 14–20]. Here, we report an experiment conducted in a remote cloud forest region of Papua New Guinea, across several communities with similar traditional music but differing levels of exposure to Western-influenced tonal music. One hundred and seventy participants were presented with pairs of major and minor cadences (chord progressions) and melodies, and chose which of them made them happier. The experiment was repeated by 60 non-musicians and 19 musicians in Sydney, Australia. Bayesian analyses show that, for cadences, there is strong evidence that greater happiness was reported for major than minor in every community except one: the community with minimal exposure to Western-like music. For melodies, there is strong evidence that greater happiness was reported for those with higher mean pitch (major melodies) than those with lower mean pitch (minor melodies) in only one of the three PNG communities and in both Sydney groups. The results show that the emotive valence of major and minor is strongly associated with exposure to Western-influenced music and culture, although we cannot exclude the possibility of universality.