This prediction was based on the idea that profoundly happy people may be less inclined to alter their behaviour or adjust to external changes even when such flexibility offers an advantage.
The researchers’ predictions were affirmed by the analysis of World Values Survey data.
“The highest levels of income, education and political participation were reported not by the most satisfied individuals (10 on the 10-point scale, but by moderately satisfied individuals (8 or 9 on the 10-point scale),” the researchers said.
The student study revealed a similar pattern in measures of academic and social success. In this analysis, students were categorized as unhappy, slightly happy, moderately happy, happy or very happy. Success in the categories related to academic achievement (grade-point average, class attendance) and conscientiousness increased as happiness increased, but dropped a bit for the individuals classified as very happy.
Those classified as very happy scored significantly higher on things like gregariousness, close friendships, self-confidence, energy and time spent dating. The data indicate that happiness may need to be moderated for success in some areas of life, such as income, conscientiousness and career, Diener said.
“The people in our study who are the most successful in terms of things like income are mildly happy most of the time,” he said.
The study is published in Perspectives on Psychological Science.
Source-ANI
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