PG 1-4

Podcast Beta

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the primary focus of cross-sectional research?

Exploring emotional health in specific communities

Correlation between variables at a single moment (correct)

Studying social behaviors over long periods

Analyzing economic growth and happiness

Which aspect is NOT part of the American Paradox?

Rise in GDP and wealth

Improvement in education quality (correct)

Increase in medical expenditures

Lack of growth in happiness

What does 'hyper individualism' suggest about the relationship between wealth and happiness?

Community ties enhance wealth

Wealth directly leads to happiness

Wealth is an illusion of happiness (correct)

Happiness is independent of wealth

What does the Buddhist term 'dukkha' refer to?

The suffering that threatens agency Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT part of the Eightfold Path in Buddhism?

Right Identity Signup and view all the answers

What does 'ecological belonging' convey about human existence?

We exist in harmony with nature Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the cause of suffering according to Buddhism?

Clinging and grasping create a narrow self-concept Signup and view all the answers

What does Aristotle’s Principle of Moderation emphasize in relation to emotions?

Emotions should be felt in moderation. Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between jen and social interactions?

Jen is a combination of kindness, humility, and respect that fosters positive relationships. Signup and view all the answers

How does the commuting paradox challenge traditional economic views?

Time spent commuting has no basis in evaluated economic benefit. Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of romantic love is highlighted as a solution to the commitment problem?

It idealizes partners and enhances emotional connections. Signup and view all the answers

What is suggested about happiness in relation to age?

Individuals report becoming happier after reaching their mid-40s. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the principle of serviceable habits?

It refers to habitual behaviors that indicate emotional expressions. Signup and view all the answers

What role do emotional displays play in relationships according to the commitment problem?

They provide important cues to assess commitments. Signup and view all the answers

What does the 'jen ratio' measure?

The proportion of actions that promote good versus bad in others. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'tao' refer to in the context of happiness?

A life force that animates living beings and gives purpose. Signup and view all the answers

What role does oxytocin play in monogamous pair-bonding?

It enhances long-term devotion and attachment. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary physiological response of the sympathetic autonomic nervous system?

Enhances heart rate and prepares the body for 'fight or flight'. Signup and view all the answers

How does oxytocin influence the behavior of montane voles when injected into their brains?

It induces a preference for a single mating partner. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the monogamous prairie vole from the promiscuous montane vole neurologically?

Greater density of oxytocin receptors in the brain. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following emotions is NOT associated with an increase in heart rate according to Ekman's study?

Disgust Signup and view all the answers

In the context of evolutionary psychology, what does the Environment of Evolutionary Adaptedness (EEA) refer to?

The historical context where human evolutionary traits developed. Signup and view all the answers

What effect does the directed facial action (DFA) task suggest about facial expressions?

They can alter autonomic nervous system responses. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes oxytocin's effect on maternal behavior?

It facilitates maternal behavior across species. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common physiological change observed during moments of anger?

Increased finger temperature. 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.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

This quiz explores various research methods related to happiness, including cross-sectional and longitudinal studies. It discusses the American Paradox, examining how wealth has not translated into greater happiness over the years. Evaluate your understanding of these concepts and their implications.