The April, 2007 survey of over 1200 young people reinforces Positive Psychology studies on happiness.
Positive Psychology studies indicate that our relationships are very strong factors in our sense of happiness in life. So the recent survey of over 1200 young people by AP and MTV is not surprising.
Though the survey may not have been as scientifically valid as researcher's studies, it is important validating information. The results apply to all of us, further reinforcing what makes us happy and what we can do to increase our feelings of happiness.
The important results show:
- 54% of those responding cited various types of relationships as the one most important source of happiness.
- The impact of family and friends was very high; over 70% cited family or friendships as being a source of their happiness.
- Over 60% indicated feeling very or somewhat happy with life in general.
What Can We Take From The Survey?
Relationships are important. This is the single dominant determinant of happiness. To be happy, work on valuing and improving relationships, including relationship with self.
We are naturally inclined to be happy. Unhappiness is normally a temporary state of being. We are happy beings. We deserve to be happy. We can overcome temporary bouts of unhappiness.
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