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Happiness Is a SkillHappiness Is a SkillKey: AWL to Study, Low-frequency Vocabulary
In what ways could happiness be considered a skill?
Research on HappinessResearch on Happiness• An explosion in the research on happiness has
occurred over the last decade.• Scientists have charted regions of the brain implicated
in a positive disposition. linked to meditation and mindfulness
Do you meditate? Why or why not?
Happiness Set Point Happiness Set Point • Researchers say that each person has a happiness set
point: influenced by genetic and environmental factors.
• However, happiness is also a skill that can be learned.
How is happiness under one’s control?
Genetic PredispositionGenetic Predisposition• Neuroscientists pinpoint brain regions:
left prefrontal cortex corresponds to positive frame of mind right prefrontal cortex coincides with negative emotional
state dopamine relays information to left prefrontal cortex people with more sensitive dopamine receptors are cheerful.
• Predisposition to happiness clearly observed in infants. some babies have naturally higher activity in left prefrontal
cortex
Environmental InfluencesEnvironmental Influences• Up until the end of adolescence
have a profound effect on person’s happiness set point brain is highly changeable Nurturing parents can raise set point; critical parents can
lower it considerably.
What other types of environmental factors could affect a person’s happiness? Explain.
Happiness Set PointHappiness Set Point• Emotional baseline• Life circumstances do not permanently alter one’s
temperament. Individuals return to their emotional baseline once the
novelty of an event (winning the lottery or losing a partner) has passed.
Do you believe that life circumstances do not permanently alter one’s emotional baseline?
Brain Brain PlasticityPlasticity in in AdulthoodAdulthood• Studies of Buddhist monks
credited with 10,000–50,000 hours of meditation experience left prefrontal brain activity vastly higher than ever seen
before.
Do you believe that meditation can increase one’s happiness?
StressedStressed Biotech ProfessionalsBiotech Professionals• mindfulness meditation training
monitor feelings and thoughts and drop negative ones greater activity in right prefrontal cortex before training brain activity shifted left post-training
Do you believe that mindfulness meditation can improve your health? Explain.
TwinsTwins• Researchers compiled data on twins and baseline
happiness 50% of baseline happiness is genetic 10% is due to life circumstances 40% is due to attitude
Do you think you have a positive attitude towards life? Explain.
Happiness TrainerHappiness Trainer• Provides brain wave feedback so people can learn to
induce a positive frame of mind Session begins with a pleasing film. As brain waves shift to happier mode, film image grows
larger, providing positive feedback.
• Happiness is a skill. requires practice and persistence
Would you like to try the happiness trainer? Explain.