A New Study Finds That Focusing On Happiness Can Backfire

Happiness: Pursuing It Can Make You Less Happy

A New Study Finds That Focusing on Happiness Can Backfire

Happiness is a worthy pursuit. But fixating too much on achieving it often leads to bad feelings when you fall short. This second way of thinking, the research shows, is the problematic type.

Over time, infusing potentially positive moments with negativity can take a toll.

The study, published in the journal "Emotion," found that people who frequently judged their own happiness were more likely to experience negative emotions, such as anxiety and depression. They were also more likely to have lower life satisfaction.

"Our findings suggest that the pursuit of happiness can actually be self-defeating," said study author Sonja Lyubomirsky, a professor of psychology at the University of California, Riverside.

"When people focus on their happiness, they may become more critical of themselves and their lives. This can lead to a downward spiral of negative thinking and emotions."

The study participants were asked to complete a series of questionnaires about their happiness and well-being. They were also asked to keep a daily diary in which they recorded their thoughts and feelings.

The researchers found that the participants who frequently judged their own happiness were more likely to have negative thoughts about themselves and their lives. They were also more likely to experience anxiety and depression.

The researchers believe that the negative effects of happiness-judging are due to the fact that it can lead to a focus on the negative aspects of life.

"When people focus on their happiness, they may become more critical of themselves and their lives," Lyubomirsky said. "This can lead to a downward spiral of negative thinking and emotions."

Conclusion

The study's findings suggest that it is important to be aware of the potential negative consequences of happiness-judging. If you find yourself constantly judging your own happiness, it may be helpful to try to focus on other aspects of your life.

Remember, happiness is a journey, not a destination. There will be ups and downs along the way. The important thing is to focus on the positive moments and to try to learn from the negative ones.