Can we learn happiness? According to new research, it is possible! A recent study from the University of Bristol’s “Science of Happiness” course sheds light on the long-term effects of happiness interventions. Prior research from the course demonstrated that exposing students to the latest happiness research improved their well-being. However, this new study reveals that these improvements are not permanent unless participants consistently practice the evidence-based habits learned in the course, such as gratitude, exercise, meditation, and journaling.
The researchers liken these happiness habits to physical exercise. “Just as with physical health, we have to continuously work on our mental health, otherwise the improvements are temporary,” explains senior author Prof Bruce Hood.
The University of Bristol’s Science of Happiness course, launched in 2018, serves as the first of its kind in the UK. This unique course ditches exams and coursework in favor of evidence-based learnings from psychology and neuroscience research on happiness.
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Can we learn happiness?
Initial results showed a 10-15% improvement in well-being for students who participated in the course. However, only those who actively incorporated these learnings into their daily lives maintained this improvement after two years.
This study, published in the journal Higher Education, is the first to track the long-term well-being of participants following a happiness course. “This study highlights that simply taking a course, whether it’s at the gym, a meditation retreat, or a happiness course like ours, is just the beginning,” emphasizes Prof Hood. “The key lies in consistently applying the learned practices.”
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The science of happiness: Seven lessons for living well
The course heavily emphasizes positive psychology interventions that shift focus away from oneself and towards helping others, spending time with friends, practicing gratitude, and meditation. “This approach stands in contrast to the current ‘self-care’ trend,” explains Prof Hood. “Research consistently shows that moving our attention away from ourselves is more effective in combating negative rumination, a common feature of many mental health struggles.”
Prof Hood has condensed the learnings from the Science of Happiness course into a new book titled “The Science of Happiness: Seven Lessons for Living Well,” published on March 10th. This book offers an evidence-based roadmap to achieving greater well-being.
References: Happiness can be learnt, but you have to work at it. (2024, March 24). ScienceDaily. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/03/240311145853.htm
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