What Makes a Person Happy?

     In my previous posts, I have focused specifically on the relationship between money and one's happiness. However, in this post, we are going to observe other factors that contribute to one's emotional well-being. 

    Extensive research over the years has focused on what makes a person happy, and what makes this feeling last. One finding is that age is related to one's contentment. To further elaborate on this statement, satisfaction with life usually increases as people age. Other factors include family and social relationships. Studies have shown that married people tend to be happier than those that are single, widowed, or divorced (Diener et al., 1999- Factors Connected to Happiness, Indiana University). These happy, married individuals have stated that their marriages are fulfilling. According to a study (Myers, 2000), satisfaction with marriage and family life has the strongest influence on one's happiness. Other relationship-related factors that impact one's happiness according to certain studies include that happy people tend to have high-quality friendships and a strong social support network. These people keep in contact and maintain good relationships with their peers/friends. 

    Another factor discussed in Factors Connected to Happiness is education. Education shows a correlation to one's happiness; this correlation is not strong, however people do receive some contentment from receiving an education. These people who receive an education and obtain more career opportunities are proven to be more successful no matter what path they take if they are happy, as this emotional state provides them with a sense of determination. When considering this, however, it is important to note that intelligence is not necessarily related to happiness.

    Religiosity, in general, correlates to happiness; however, this depends on certain circumstances. Societies within nations with more difficult living conditions tend to be more religious, whereas nations with more favorable living conditions are less religious. People who are active in their religion tend to be more happy, however in wealthier nations, individuals that are both religious and non-religious demonstrate similar levels of well-being. This finding shows that the living conditions of one's nation can contribute to their level of happiness as well.

    Culture is another influencing theme of a person's level of contentment. When I bring up culture, I mean whether or not people possess characteristics valued by their culture, not necessarily the culture itself. If one exhibits characteristics favored by their culture, then they tend to be happier. For example, extroverted people tend to be happier in more extroverted cultures, and introverted people tend to be happier in more introverted cultures.

    Above, I have listed several factors other than money that influence one's contentment. These include age, family and social relationships, education, religion, and culture. These factors are proof that money alone cannot make one happy. Money may contribute to one's overall contentment, however, other factors build the framework for a strong emotional well-being.