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.