What causes happiness? Experience or possession?
This question was answered in a new psychology study that showed life experiences rather than material possessions led to greater happiness. In fact, the experiential basis of happiness can be seen in two other corollaries — gratitude or the ability to live in the moment and a sense of spirituality.
Happiness and Experiences
A study done by Ryan Howell, assistant professor of psychology at San Francisco State University shows that experiential purchases such as theatre or concert tickets produced a greater sense of well-being than simply purchasing things like furniture or clothes.
Why? Experiences satisfy higher order needs, especially the need for “social connectedness and vitality — a feeling of being alive.” Furthermore experiences provide what researchers call “memory capital” that incubates long-term satisfaction. According to Howell, "We don't tend to get bored of happy memories like we do with a material object.”
Experiences also provide challenges and personal meaning. Accomplishing a goal such as running a marathon or writing a book provides meaning within the context of life lived. Possessions are merely things and do not generate the same sense of personal challenge and significance.
What meaning, for example, can one have about a new roof or a new car? Material things, according to psychology professor Leaf Van Boven, are separate from humans and cannot provide the same meaningful contexts as personal experiences.
Howell’s study goes against the belief that money brings happiness, a belief still strongly entrenched in the 21st century culture, despite 35 years of research that has provided evidence to the contrary.
Happiness and Gratitude
An extension of experience, gratitude is the emotion of thankfulness one feels for one’s circumstances in life. Gratitude is the ability to live in the moment and be grateful for whatever comes within one’s path. It is opening oneself to the idea that happiness is a journey, not a destination, allowing each moment to be appreciated for what it is with an attitude of openness and curiosity.
Robert Emmos, professor of psychology at UC Davis, has done research on gratitude for over ten years. His study shows that the practice of gratitude can increase happiness levels by 25%. Even a few hours a day of writing a gratitude journal creates a happiness effect that lasts six months. Capturing the joys of daily moments allows one to savor the depth and privilege of simply being alive.
Happiness and Spirituality
Spirituality or an inner belief experience that provides a person with comfort and strength is another important component of happiness. As opposed to religious practices which are mainly institutional rituals and ceremonies, spirituality is a deep anchoring in one’s belief system and self worth that has been linked directly to happiness in both adults and children.
A new study conducted by the University of British Columbia shows that spirituality accounted for 5% of happiness in adults, but 16.5% in children. Spirituality in children refers to a strong sense of personal worth and meaning in their lives. These children feel that their lives have value and they have deep, quality interpersonal relationships with family and peers.
Again, life meaning is not developed in children through things but interaction with significant adults and friends through experiences that have created contexts for belief and confidence. In general, happier children are more sociable, more cognizant of personal meaning and purpose and more immersed in strong quality family and communal relationships.
What causes happiness? It is the courage to move into the realm of experience knowing that whatever one encounters is right for the moment. The next question that needs to be asked is this: how to cultivate this sense of wonder in a world that lives on prime time and agenda?
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