According to a new study published in
Psychological Science, we should take a cue from Aretha and practice a little R-E-S-P-E-C-T for long-lasting happiness. Researchers from the University of California, Berkeley found that being admired and respected had a great influence on a person’s happiness than higher socioeconomic status.
Researcher Cameron Anderson said in a statement that it’s believed money yields fleeting feelings of happiness, while respect is a more sustainable source. “One of the reasons why money doesn't buy happiness is that people quickly adapt to the new level of income or wealth. Lottery winners, for example, are initially happy but then return to their original level of happiness quickly," he told reporters.
The study involved a number of trials with college students, asking them to rank their own wellbeing, and how they felt about others. Anderson said it was surprising about the strong role social standing played in happiness, and how fluidly it could change as friendships began and broke.
So what does this mean for someone chasing better wellbeing? It’s important to place an equal if not greater value of building solid and long-lasting relationships, than be motivated to increase wealth. Having quality bonds with family and friends is the true key to wellbeing, one that outlasts the fleeting buzz of money.
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