# data[].attributes.body
After going through this whole process I've come to several conclusions about happiness. First, it's hard to create a general definition of happiness because everybody has different things that make them happy. Many of the texts that we have had to read display this. For example, in The Great Gatsby all of the main characters have different things that make them feel happy/content and Santiago was a good example of a person who didn't really need anything materialistic to feel happy. Going off of that, I concluded that money can buy happiness to an extent because it can allow people to do things that they otherwise would be able to do. This happiness through money will not last very long if people don't have other things that make them happy besides their wealth. In order for a person to be happy for an extended period of time, they need to reflect about what they truly like and learn about their identity. I also concluded that the things that make an individual happy can and will change throughout a person's life. These things normally go from being very materialistic early in life to being very family and goal oriented later in life.

# data[].attributes.body
I asked my dad some questions relating to overall happiness. Here's what he had to say:

# data[].attributes.body
This article(and info-graphic)talks about how a person's family can impact their happiness in both the short and long term. It describes how almost everybody depends on their family for emotional support and advice all throughout their life.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
There's just something about being with family that makes you feel warm inside -- it doesn't matter if it's Thanksgiving Day or a random Wednesday night.

Familial bonds certainly can have an influence on your well-being, whether it's your biological family or the family you create on your own. You depend on them for advice, emotional support or even as a resource to come bail you out of trouble.

Happify, a website and app dedicated to helping people build skills for happiness through science-based activities and games, broke down all the ways our families affect our personal joy. Take a look at the infographic below. Then when you're done, go call Mom. Research shows you just might be happier for it.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How Our Family Affects Our Happiness, In One Chart

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
There's just something about being with family that makes you feel warm inside -- it doesn't matter if it's Thanksgiving Day or a random Wednesday night. Familial bonds certainly can have an influence on your well-being, whether it's your biological family or the family you create on your own.

# data[].attributes.body
This Ted Talk by

David Steindl-Rast discusses how everybody want to be happy, but not everybody is able to truly feel happy.He claims that one of the key things that many people are missing in regards to being happy is "gratefulness". I think this can apply to everyone's life because whenever we are feeling really bad about things we can take a moment to reflect about how fortunate we truly are and how things could be much worse.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Want to be happy? Be grateful | David Steindl-Rast

# data[].attributes.headline
The Correlation Between Happiness and GPA

# data[].attributes.subject
The Correlation Between Happiness and GPA

# data[].attributes.body
This article discusses a study that was completed relating to students happiness and their academic achievement. The article says that "Happiness is also positively associated with GPA for students in grades 4–12". I agree with this to a degree, but personally think that a students happiness would begin to drop off after a certain point. I think this because in order to have a very "high" GPA one must put in a lot of time studying/preparing for school activities. All of this extra time spent would result in the student being more stressed because they have less time to do things that they enjoy than other students who put less time/effort into school.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
An intriguing study notes a correlation between a student's level of happiness and GPA

# data[].attributes.body
Throughout the Catcher in The Rye Holden struggles with happiness and fitting in with society. Throughout his life he has struggled to figure out what he really want to do/accomplish. He tries many things while in the city in an attempt to become happier but in the end he isn't really able to find anything that can truly make him happy.

# data[].attributes.body
Similar to the real world, almost all of the characters in The Great Gatsby have different things that make them happy. For Gatsby just being around Daisy is enough to improve his mood. Even though he is one of the wealthiest people in the country, no amount of money would make him feel as happy as being with Daisy would. On the other hand, just being around money and expensive things seem to make Daisy happy. Tom appears to be happiest during the novel while he is in full control of whatever is going on. He tends to make ill advised decisions when he doesn't have control of what's going on.(Example = when he broke Myrtle's nose in the apartment)

# data[].attributes.body
This article describes the common belief that money can buy happiness. The article says that an individual's happiness normally increases logarithmically with their income. I found it interesting how it said that two people of different income levels will both receive about the same increase in happiness if both of their incomes were doubled. It also talks about how people who were more invested into the importance of materialistic things normally had a lower level of "emotional well being" and life satisfaction.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Much ink has been spilled over the relationship between money and happiness. Mass media has popularized the finding that there are positive but diminishing returns to income. In other words, increases in income cause happiness to grow only up until a certain point, the point at which basic needs are met. Above this point, increased income does not contribute to more happiness.

Well, the story is slightly more complicated than that.

Studies have shown different results when they studied logarithmic changes in income rather than changes in the absolute dollar amount. When plotted logarithmically, life satisfaction does indeed rise proportionally with income.

Simply put, while a millionaire may not receive the same happiness boost as a pauper if both receive ten dollars, if both individuals have their incomes doubled, their increases in happiness will be comparable.

A further nuance within the research is the different effects of income on emotional well-being (positive and negative emotions) vs. life satisfaction (self-evaluation of one's life as a whole).

A Gallup poll surveying 1,000 U.S. residents showed that life satisfaction rises proportionally when plotted against income (logarithmically again). However, emotional well-being showed no further increases above an annual household income of about USD$75,000.

Meanwhile, a household income below $75,000 is associated with both low life satisfaction and low emotional well-being. Furthermore, the researchers found that low income intensified the negative emotions associated with hardships such as divorce and ill health.

Researchers have also found that rising aspirations can offset the benefits of increased income. At a given level of income, those with higher expectations and aspirations have lower well-being.

One thing that influences aspirations are the people that surround you, and increased income does not lead to increased well-being if comparison groups also have a similar increase in income. So, stop comparing yourself with the Joneses.

Furthermore, people who are deeply invested in the importance of money and material possessions score lower in both emotional well-being and life satisfaction.

The evidence above points towards the idea that perceived financial satisfaction is more important than absolute income.

Cross-culturally, researchers have found that financial satisfaction plays a bigger role in life satisfaction in poorer nations compared to richer nations. In richer nations, having the freedom to direct your own life becomes more important than money.

It is hypothesized that in poorer nations, people may be more preoccupied with basic survival needs, thus placing more importance on income. However, in richer nations, many people take basic survival for granted, and a shift of values occurs as people place more importance on personal growth or self-actualization.

Culture also helps to moderate the relationship between lower income and lower well-being. For instance, homeless people in Calcutta scored higher in life satisfaction compared to homeless people in the U.S., despite better objective circumstances in America.

In summary? It's complicated.
This article is part of a series about the Science Behind Well-being. For more, visit David's website, Living Meanings.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Much ink has been spilled over the relationship between money and happiness. Mass media has popularized the finding that there are positive but diminishing returns to income. In other words, increases in income cause happiness to grow only up until a certain point, the point at which basic needs are met.

# data[].attributes.body
Some of the things that consistently make me happier include
-playing or watching any kind of sports
-playing video games
-spending time with my family
-traveling

# data[].attributes.body
This article bring up some interesting points about why some people are almost always unhappy. Some of the common reasons discussed in the article for why some people are always unhappy include a low self-esteem, childhood trauma/other past trauma, they might be suffering from a mental health disorder, and having a "glass half empty" attitude. I feel like this relates to Holden because after Allie died, he felt like everyone else was "phony" and always looked at the negative side of a situation.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
A basic assumption of human behavior is that people pursue pleasure and seek to avoid pain. Then why is it that some people seem content to wallow in their misery, even boasting about it as some sort of badge of honor? Even when given steps to improve their lives, they prefer to continue complaining. Is there a certain comfortable familiarity with being dissatisfied that becomes an obstacle to change? After getting a glimpse of joy, why do some people immediately shift back to what doesn't work?

There are a number of possible explanations for this " addiction " to unhappiness:

Deep-rooted insecurity or lack of self-esteem may cause some people to feel undeserving of happiness.

People who grew up with a parenting style characterized by excessive discipline and unrealistic expectations may have learned to equate unhappiness with love and success.

Lifelong struggles with trauma or other negative experiences may fuel an unconscious desire to continually return to the status quo of unhappiness.

Some people who seem comfortable in their misery actually may be suffering from an underlying mental health disorder.

Some people pride themselves on realism, believing that being practical or realistic also means focusing on the negative.

Because of decisions or experiences in their past, some people are consumed by guilt or regret that they cannot overcome. Instead, they choose to punish themselves and/or others.

Some people are afraid to feel joy since positive feelings might be a "setup" for disappointment.

The prospect of happiness strikes fear of the unknown for those who have never felt anything but unhappiness.

Dissatisfaction becomes a motivator to work harder, change jobs, eat healthier, spend more time with friends and family, or prevent unwanted behaviors or situations.

Some people make it a personal mission to take on the world's problems as their own. While noble in some respects, these individuals cannot allow themselves to feel happiness when, for example, people are starving or global warming is damaging the planet.

Then there's the theory that people like negative feelings. A study by Eduardo Andrade and Joel Cohen, which evaluated why people enjoy horror movies, concluded that some viewers are happy to be unhappy. The researchers found that people experience both negative and positive emotions at the same time, meaning they not only enjoy the relief they feel when the threat is removed but also enjoy being scared. This same theory, they argued, may help explain why humans are drawn to extreme sports and other risky activities that elicit terror or disgust.
Characteristics of the Chronically Unhappy
How do you know if you're one of these people who live in a perpetual state of unhappiness? People who are addicted to unhappiness tend to:

Find reasons to be miserable when life gets "too good."

Prefer to play the victim role and blame others rather than take personal responsibility for their choices.

Compete with friends and colleagues to see who has it the hardest.

Have difficulty setting and achieving goals, or conversely achieve goals only to find that they can't enjoy their success.

Struggle to bounce back when things don't go their way.

Distract, escape or cope by using drugs, alcohol, sex, food, or other addictive or compulsive behaviors.

Stop taking care of their basic needs, such as a healthy diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep.

Feel enslaved to their emotions and powerless to change.

Feel dissatisfied even when life is going well.

Have dramatic, unfulfilling relationships.

Is Happiness a Choice?
It is often said that "happiness is a choice." But then why aren't more people happy?

In my experience, happiness is complicated. Some people find happiness even in situations that would challenge the most optimistic person; some are unhappy despite having it all. For some, happiness is fleeting and depends on their present circumstances, whereas others seem to be generally happy or generally unhappy no matter what is happening in their lives. Then there's the issue of how to define happiness - by outward success, inward satisfaction, or something else?

In many cases, it may be true that happiness is a choice. To some extent, we choose our own thoughts and reactions, which impact the way we feel, and can improve our happiness quotient by taking steps to change our thinking (e.g., keeping a gratitude journal, staying mindful of the present moment, accepting what is or developing healthier coping mechanisms). We can view our emotions as a signal that some aspect of life needs to change and take action to return to a better state of mind.

But for about 20 percent of American adults, mental health disorders such as depression or anxiety may mean that happiness is always just out of reach. They do not choose to be depressed or anxious; they do not know another way of being. While choosing to be happy, in these cases, is more complicated than making a choice to think positively, there is one important choice that can be made: the decision to get help, such as cognitive behavioral therapy.

The unfortunate reality is that most chronically unhappy people refuse to get help. Nearly half of those with mental illness never seek treatment. Whether it's fear, comfort, lack of awareness or something else, we can't be sure. What we do know is that unhappiness does not have to be terminal. With counseling and treatment, there is hope for happiness becoming the new norm.

David Sack, M.D., is board certified in Addiction Medicine and Addiction Psychiatry. As CEO of Elements Behavioral he oversees mental health and addiction treatment programs in Arizona, California, Texas, Utah, Florida, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
A basic assumption of human behavior is that people pursue pleasure and seek to avoid pain. Then why is it that some people seem content to wallow in their misery, even boasting about it as some sort of badge of honor? Even when given steps to improve their lives, they prefer to continue complaining.

# data[].attributes.body
This image depicts many of the common things that people say make them happier. Family and other relationships were the most common result. Food/ eating being number two on this image kind of surprised me. The rest of the results didn't really surprise me because they are many of the same answers I have gotten while asking other people.

# data[].attributes.body
This article points out
some of the things that can do to help improve your level of happiness.
-Be around those who make you happier
-Hold on to your values
-Accept the good things in life
-Have a "glass half full" mindset
-Do things you're passionate about
-Find a purpose in life
-Listen to your heart
-Accept that things will change
-Cherish the simple things
I agree with all of the things that were included in this list. I don't think a person necessarily needs to follow or do all of these things to be happier, just a few can help.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
We all want to feel happy, and each one of us has different ways of getting there. Here are 10 steps you can take to increase your joie de vivre and bring more happiness into your life:

1. Be with others who make you smile. Studies show that we are happiest when we are around those who are also happy. Stick with those who are joyful and let rub off on you.

2. Hold on to your values. What you find true, what you know is fair, and what you believe in are all values. Over time, the more you honor them, the better you will feel about yourself and those you love.

3. Accept the good. Look at your life and take stock of what's working, and don't push away something just because it isn't perfect. When good things happen, even the very little ones, let them in.

4. Imagine the best. Don't be afraid to look at what you really want and see yourself getting it. Many people avoid this process because they don't want to be disappointed if things don't work out. The truth is that imagining getting what you want is a big part of achieving it.

5. Do things you love. Maybe you can't skydive every day or take vacations every season, but as long as you get to do the things you love every once in a while, you will find greater happiness.

6. Find purpose. Those who believe they are contributing to the well-being of humanity tend to feel better about their lives. Most people want to be part of something greater than they are, simply because it's fulfilling.

7. Listen to your heart. You are the only one who knows what fills you up. Your family and friends may think you'd be great at something that really doesn't float your boat. It can be complicated following your bliss. Just be smart, and keep your day job for the time being.

8. Push yourself, not others. It's easy to feel that someone else is responsible for your fulfillment, but the reality is that it is really your charge. Once you realize that, you have the power to get where you want to go. Stop blaming others or the world, and you'll find your answers much sooner.

9. Be open to change. Even if it doesn't feel good, change is the one thing you can count on. Change will happen, so make contingency plans and emotionally shore yourself up for the experience.

10. Bask in the simple pleasures. Those who love you, treasured memories, silly jokes, warm days, and starry nights-these are the ties that bind and the gifts that keep on giving.

Happiness and fulfillment are within your grasp, but sometimes just out of reach. Understanding what works best for you is the first step in finding more of them.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Happiness and fulfillment are within your grasp, but sometimes just out of reach. Understanding what works best for you is the first step in finding more of them. We all want to feel happy, and each one of us has different ways of getting there.