research studies

[Millificent]

I read an article recently that said there have been thousands of studies done on depression, but only a couple hundred on happiness.

This quote just reminded me of that: "Some theories of becoming are based largely upon the behavior of sick and anxious people or upon the antics of captive and desperate rats. Few theories are derived from the study of healthy human beings, those who strive not so much to preserve life as to make it worth living. Thus we find today many studies of criminals, few of law abiders; many of fear, few of courage; more on hostility than affiliation; much on the blindness in man, little on his vision; much on his past, little on his reaching into the future." -Gordon Allport

Not sure if I really have a point. It's just interesting to think about.

:dragon Millie

[LostEarthAngel]

:hugonMillie:hugoff

Wow, your right! I never thought of it that way! While the causes of depression are important to learn, why not study really happy people too?

What is it about some people that they are never down? Do they have a certain chemical that others lack? I would be interested to see a study done on people who are more often happy than sad.

Interesting thoughts!

[dreya]

I want to read a study about how happy people get that way! I've seen research indicating happiness level is partly genetic, but as for the other part....I wanna get me some of that!
I've also read numerous times that happy people are healthier and live longer.

[PeanutDuck]

I never thought of that....!

I suppose it's our emphasis on what is/we do wrong rather than what we do right.

Also, people expect that they should be happy--if they're not, why not?

This is such a negative culture. Death is news rather than birth.

Interesting.

peanut

[juliaf]

interesting point~
I was thinking it probably has to do with funding and grants? My father works for a corporation where the majorit of the research he does is not self chosen, but is chosen because grants for it can be secured and things can be fixed (he doesn't work in mental health though so maybe this is not a great paralle, but it seems like our society is still more apt to try to "fix" things than prevent them)
What do you guys think...?
~julia

[Soulmelody]

I think that sometimes it depends on the way results are reported and what facts are emphasized. Many things are taken out of context and numbers are often skewed to say one thing or another.

For example the Existential theories have a reputation for being rather pessimistic, but upon looking at the finer points of this theory it is really addressing choice and knowledge, not the dreariness of life. I say that to say its all about perspective.

And yes, at the time the perspective that seems to be popular are the ones that are more pessimistic.

Thanx
Soulmelody