The more money you have the happier you may be, a study says. While you may be saying “Tell me something I don’t already know,” you may not be reaping the benefits that come from having enough money and possessions if you don’t a positive outlook.
Yes, even the richest folks can be unhappy if they are riddled with pessimism. The study, published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, also found a few other items of note:
The overall economic state of a particular region or country played less of a part on the area’s residents than did personal wealth and possessions
More money coming into the home was associated with an increase in positive feelings and an enhanced outlook on life
Wealth was most directly linked to enhanced well-being when people could buy things with this wealth or enjoyed the spoils of what the wealth gave them, even when the things were as basic as a TV or an Internet connection
The study did not note another important factor, which is how happiness plays a part in overall stress and anxiety. Those who are happier generally have less time to dwell on being anxious; they are too busy being happy. The overall relief one could feel from knowing their needs are being met could help alleviate the overall stress and anxiety that helps fuel driving fear and other phobias.
Read the full article in Science Daily: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/12/121203082256.htm
Check out the study:
Ed Diener, Louis Tay, Shigehiro Oishi. Rising Income and the Subjective Well-Being of Nations.. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 2012.
