Success Happy

What do you all think of the theory in psychology that happiness has a set point?

We all have a set point in our moods. Sometimes we feel worse and some times we feel better than the set point, but we always return to that set point under normal circumstances. The set point can never be raised or lowered. So in other words, we can never increase our level of happiness because it is predetermined in our genes.

Public Comments

1. That's b/s. I majored in psych who came up with that theory?
2. i dont know that i believe that. but i suffer from bipolar disorder so i am never in the sma emood. i change feelings alot. alot of the time i am not very happy just feel like i am ok right now. so i dont know.
3. Yeah, bull shitzinfeibergasten. In my experience, happiness mixed with feeling of accomplishment works best together. Followed by happiness you create for others. Followed by my happy spot and so on.
4. Sounds like a lazy explanation of what is normal. It's a theory that could never really be proven. We all cycle our moods and everything is up for change. If everything fell into place and you found your bliss job then your passion would have to increase.
5. Hope my set point will go a bit upwards soon. I think there is something in the theory. Many people are mostly happy, and they make us happy. My problem is I believe that when I was young, then I was happy and could make other people smile. Now I am worried, pessimistic. Wisdom and experience can make us worried. So I believe age is a bit of the problem.
6. that is so not true. studying the brain has shown us we're even more moldable than we thought. if we make a conscious effort to think positively and try to be happier, we will be. i think happiness is more of a process than a set point.
7. Only those on antidepressants can not improve their level of happiness because they won't allow themselves to feel their own obstacles in life?! Like the Sun? How could anyone enjoy...fully, enjoy the shine of the sun without the drop that comes from the rain? No one could?! There are some in life whom wish the rain would never fall so they could feel the joy of the sun everyday. Without the rain there would be no green. No trees. No fruits. The fruits of life. This...this is what rain nurtures so the sun can make it grow?! Dance in the rain. And I promise you...the next time you see the sun, you will be able to bathe in what all too many can't see? A joy, a happiness, a fulfillment that is so overwhelming that...that, it's unexplainable. I'm sorry. Live for today without a thought of tomorrow and when tomorrow comes just try and make it better than the last tomorrow you remembered?!