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12 | UCR Spring 2013 4 5 Want to hear something really uplifting? Being intentionally positive – that is, performing acts of kindness, employing optimism, counting your blessings – may lead you not only to happiness, but out of clinical depression as well. Psychology Professor Lyubomirsky says there’s a connection between doing intentionally positive actions and depression. “Research shows that people can become happier by engaging in positive activities,” she says. “We have found, for example, that people who are prompted to express gratitude on a regular basis, or who are instructed to do kind acts on a regular basis, become happier.” Depression affects about 100 million people worldwide — and more than 16 million adults in the United States alone. In approximately Be Positive On Purpose Being good to others, is actually good for you. 70 percent of reported cases in the United States, the person suffering from depression either fails to pursue recommended treatment or declines any treatment. Intentionally positive acts are a novel option for those who do not respond to antidepressants or refuse to take them. They are inexpensive, less time-consuming, carry little to no stigma and have no side effects. “Studies suggest that people with mental health conditions can supplement their treatment by engaging in a variety of happiness-increasing strategies. There are probably hundreds of such strategies they can do,” Lyubomirsky says. For example, acting prosocially – helping others — has been found to lift negative moods and bolster self-esteem. “Who lives long, healthy and happy lives … and why?” This was the driving question behind the study called The Longevity Project (www.howardsfriedman. com/longevityproject). The project, which began in 1921, followed 1,500 Americans their entire lives — from childhood to death. “It turns out that always being cheery and fun-loving was not healthy,” says Howard S. Friedman, distinguished professor of psychology at UCR. “The thrivers were those people who were conscientious — they were prudent, planful and persevering.” That meant they were less likely to abuse drugs, smoke or drink to excess. They were more likely to do things like wear seat belts or even follow doctor’s orders. Being conscientious, Friedman found, also meant having healthier experiences and relationships, from the workplace to the home. “These were the people who had stable marriages, got a better education, succeeded in their careers and gave back to their communities. They became mature, flourishing
Live Conscientiously (to Live Longer) adults, not self-centered happiness seekers! We also found that good social relationships are a major contributor on the road to health and fulfillment.” Friedman also found that conscientious people got involved in worthwhile activities and stuck with them – but a certain intricate balance was required: “It was not the partiers “It turns out that always being cheery and funloving was not healthy.” and retirees, nor those who chilled out and played golf, who stayed healthy and lived long,” he says. “In fact,” adds Friedman, “I just went to visit one of the participants, who is now 101 years old. He still works part time – and he volunteers by raising money for a medical foundation.” 6 If you’re feeling blue after a traumatizing workweek, treating yourself to a new purchase – a bag, a pair of heels – may make you feel better. Ye Li, assistant professor of management at the School of Business Administration, has found that sadness makes people want to spend money immediately. And while the idea of buying stuff to lift your spirits — commonly known as retail therapy — seems relatively harmless, the concept is very real. (It doesn’t just happen in bad episodes of “Sex and the City”!) “When people feel sad, they want to restore their devalued feelings about themselves by going out and acquiring new things – and to do so as soon as possible,” Li says. In the study Li co-authored, researchers found that people who are sad are willing to relinquish greater future monetary gains to receive instant financial gratification. Those in distress have less patience to spare Feeling Blue? Hold on to Your Wallet “Sad people are especially attracted to instant gratification.” and, thus, are more likely to opt for immediate incentives. Unfortunately, that could come with considerable financial loss. “Sad people are especially attracted to instant gratification. ... Our research suggests that people should be aware of these effects and avoid making major financial decisions and purchases when sad,” says Li. Sadness affects you in more ways than you know. When you’re sad, it’s best to take a step back from any vital decision-making. So that shiny new iPhone you’ve been eyeing? Don’t buy it if you’ve had a bad day. In the long run, avoiding buyer’s regret will make you happier. UCR Spring 2013 | 13
Page 1 and 2: THE MAGAZINE OF UC RIVERSIDE 10 Way
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Page 21 and 22: BY SEAN NEALON Sharon Walker, an as
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