Happiness Study Finds Three Sources

The semi-annual study on happiness, reported by Australia researchers who surveyed 60,000 individuals, indicates there is a golden triangle of happiness.  The study found three things are needed for a happy life.

“Financial security, a sense of purpose in life, and good personal relationships make up the ‘golden triangle’ of happiness,” they say.

Further, the report says, “Being part of an intimate relationship is the most vital component of wellbeing. Pets are no substitute for human beings….While money does not make us happy, a lack of it makes us miserable. Wellbeing rises up to about $100,000 a year, at which point its healing power drops off dramatically….People are happiest when they are active, and when they have a sense of purpose. Volunteers are amongst the happiest people, though conscripts are not.”

The report found fathers tended to be happier than men without children, but women's happiness stayed the same whether they had children or not.

The researchers said this could be because family was the greatest source of contentment and happiness for men throughout their lives, whereas women were able to maintain social connections beyond the family unit.