Why some people are happier than others?~

"Nothing is too small to know, and nothing is too big to attempt."

– William Van Horne

p/s: unrelated image (maybe because I smile when Spongebob smile, and smile wider when he laughs!;p)


Ever wondered that happiness is associated with our genes?

Well, based on the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, they found that Oxytocin is associated with our personality as the 'always see the bright side' or the one who'd always make friends wherever they go.

Oxytocin:

• also known as love or cuddled hormone
• known to be plentiful during breastfeeding women
• released by men and women during orgasm

This gene have two variants, A and G.

• Those having gene variation of one or two A's: less optimism, mastery, and self-esteem, and more symptoms of depression
• Two G's: you are more likely to see the world, and your role in it in a positive light.

But don't worry as this complex experiment they have done, finally found a conclusion, that this genes is not just 'be-all, end-all'. There are environmental variations role, like how you were raised, your experiences in life.

Dr. Philip D. Harvey, PhD:

"it's complicated. There are genes that influence the way you process emotional information, and this gene affects the way you see the world. But that doesn’t mean you can't change the way you look at the world."

Paul J. Zak, PhD:

"We may not all have the genetic predisposition for happiness and we may not release enough oxytocin. But there are things that we can engage in: whatever helps you connect with others will help you improve your life."

Alan Manevits, MD:

“Just because you have a gene doesn’t mean you are fated to be happy or sad, this speaks to the idea of developing coping mechanisms early."

But ever wonder how they made the test? 326 volunteers answered questions about optimism, self esteem and mastery. Took their saliva, to see the correlations of their genes and this self assessment.

Interesting..:)

p/s: Info from WebMD