Happiness Research and the American Paradox

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Questions and Answers

What does the American Paradox refer to?

A decline in happiness despite increases in wealth and comforts (correct)

Emotional fulfillment driven by digital connectivity

A rise in happiness alongside economic growth

Increased social ties resulting from economic advancements

Which of the following is NOT one of the problems associated with hyper individualism and unregulated capitalism?

Loss of social ties

Increased community engagement (correct)

Illusion that wealth leads to happiness

Hyper self-focus

What does 'dukka' represent in Buddhism's Four Noble Truths?

The idea of clinging and attachment

The concept of self-destructive behaviors and loss of agency (correct)

A path to enlightenment through suffering

A state of pure happiness and bliss

Which of the following is part of the Eightfold Path in Buddhism?

Right Livelihood Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'ecological belonging'?

The sense of being part of nature and interconnectedness Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes longitudinal research?

It examines changes over a specific time period Signup and view all the answers

What factor contributes to rising inequality in the United States?

Systemic racial bias in various institutions Signup and view all the answers

What does Aristotle's principle of moderation entail?

Experiencing emotions at the right time, degree, purpose, and way. Signup and view all the answers

What is Jen primarily focused on?

The balance of kindness, humility, and respect among individuals. Signup and view all the answers

Which age range is typically associated with the least happiness?

35 to 40 years old. Signup and view all the answers

What is a contributing factor to the commuting paradox?

Underestimating the true costs of commuting. Signup and view all the answers

What role do emotional displays play in long-term commitments?

They serve as involuntary, costly clues to commitment. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Jen ratio measure?

The balance between positive and negative actions toward others. Signup and view all the answers

How does romantic love counter self-interest?

By activating regions in the brain linked to reward. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the commitment problem?

The need to identify who is committed to us reliably. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of happiness does Tao emphasize?

Observing nature and its natural unfolding. Signup and view all the answers

What role does oxytocin play in romantic love?

It facilitates monogamous pair-bonding. Signup and view all the answers

Which nervous system's activity is associated with high heart rate, blood pressure, and the fight-or-flight response?

Sympathetic Autonomic Nervous System Signup and view all the answers

What was a notable finding from Ekman's study regarding emotion and facial expressions?

Facial muscle movements influence the activation of the autonomic nervous system. Signup and view all the answers

What physiological process does oxytocin influence after sexual behavior, according to studies on voles?

Increases social contact and pro-social behavior. Signup and view all the answers

Which species of vole demonstrates a greater density of oxytocin receptors, promoting monogamous behavior?

Prairie vole Signup and view all the answers

What happens to blood flow in the body during moments of fear according to the studies discussed?

Blood flow is concentrated near the chest. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the parasympathetic autonomic nervous system?

Promoting rest and digestion Signup and view all the answers

What does the Environment of Evolutionary Adaptedness (EEA) describe?

Social and physical conditions that favored survival and reproduction. Signup and view all the answers

Which emotional response was NOT observed to significantly increase finger temperature during Ekman's research?

Disgust Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Research Types

Cross-sectional research: Analyzes correlation between happiness self-reports and outcomes at a single point in time.
Longitudinal research: Investigates changes in individuals' lives across time.

The American Paradox

Despite increased wealth and comforts in the US over 40 years, happiness levels have stagnated.
Reasons:
- Hyper-individualism and unchecked capitalism foster an illusion that wealth equates to happiness.
- Societal issues include loss of social connections, excessive self-focus, reliance on screens, and lack of a broader purpose.
- Climate crises also contribute to dissatisfaction.
- Rising Inequality: About 20% of US citizens live in poverty; historical racial injustices persist in various sectors including incarceration rates and healthcare.

Kin Relationality & Ecological Belonging

Emphasizes a fundamental connection shared among all beings and the environment, highlighting integration with nature.

Buddhism’s Four Noble Truths

First: Suffering (dukkha) is intrinsic to life, hinting at loss of agency rather than continuous pain.
Second: Attachment and ignorance are roots of suffering; limited self-concept leads to reduced agency.
Third: Liberation (nirvana) involves disengaging from grasping and reclaiming one’s agency.
Fourth: The Eightfold Path guides individuals through optimal practices fostering understanding, character, and consciousness.

Aristotle’s Principle of Moderation

Defines moderation as resilience, advocating the balanced experience of emotions aligned with virtue and reason.

Concept of Jen

Encompasses kindness, humility, and respect in relationships, aiming to uplift the character in oneself and others through social rituals (Li).

Tao

Represents a mysterious life force that imbues purpose, alongside finding happiness in nature and its natural processes.

Age and Happiness

Happiness typically dips between ages 35 and 40, then increases progressively with age.

Commuting Paradox

Long commutes create dissatisfaction despite perceived economic benefits; studies show time spent commuting correlates negatively with overall job satisfaction.
People may underestimate the true costs of commuting, compounded by poor self-regulation and energy.

Principle of Serviceable Habits

Expressive behaviors are remnants of evolutionary adaptive actions, signaling emotional responses like disgust.

Commitment Problem

Long-term relationships demand sacrifices of immediate self-interest for mutual commitments.
Emotional displays offer genuine insight into commitment levels while rituals (like weddings) reinforce dedication.
Romantic love: Enhances dedication, linked to neurological changes in the brain.

Sympathetic vs. Parasympathetic Autonomic Nervous System

Sympathetic Nervous System: Triggers fast responses (fight or flight), increasing heart rate and blood pressure, linked to stress and certain emotions.
Parasympathetic Nervous System: Promotes calming effects, enhancing digestion and pro-social behaviors; activated by social bonding experiences and emotional engagements.

Environment of Evolutionary Adaptedness (EEA)

Describes social and physical conditions during human evolution which facilitated survival.
Caregiving, social interactions, hierarchical structures, and evolved conflict resolution mechanisms are key features of early human societies.
Monogamous tendencies in humans are distinct compared to other higher primates, emphasizing unique social bonding behaviors.

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Description

Explore the intriguing relationships between wealth and happiness through cross-sectional and longitudinal research. This quiz delves into the American Paradox, revealing why happiness has not increased alongside prosperity in the U.S. and the underlying issues of hyper-individualism and capitalism.