Healthy living
Mind matters
Born happy?
Happiness levels may be partly determined by genes say scientists
Whether you're a ray of sunshine or a bit of a dark cloud may be, at least in part, nature rather than nurture. In other words, happiness in life is as much down to having the right genetic mix as it is to personal circumstances.
According to a recent study, researchers from the University of Edinburgh and the Queensland Institute for Medical Research in Australia found that happiness is partly determined by personality traits and that both personality and happiness are largely hereditary.
The researchers found that people who do not excessively worry, and who are sociable and conscientious tend to be happier. They suggested that this personality mix can act as a buffer when bad things happen, according to the study published in Psychological Science.
By analysing personality and happiness data from more than 900 twin pairs, the researchers found evidence for common genes which result in certain personality traits and predispose people to happiness.
The findings suggest that those lucky enough to have the right inherited personality mix have an ‘affective reserve’ of happiness which can be called upon in stressful times or in times of recovery.
The researchers say that although happiness has its roots in our genes, around 50 per cent of the differences between people in their life happiness is still down to external factors such as relationships, health and careers.
Dr Alexander Weiss, of the University of Edinburgh’s School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences, who led the research said: “Together with life and liberty, the pursuit of happiness is a core human desire. Although happiness is subject to a wide range of external influences we have found that there is a heritable component of happiness which can be entirely explained by genetic architecture of personality.”
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Information on this site is for interest only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should consult your own doctor about any specific health concerns.
