Richard_Layard_Stated_That__Happiness_Comes_from_Outside_and_Within_._Explain_This_Statement.

Richard Layard stated that “Happiness comes from outside and within”. Explain this statement, drawing on evidence from Chapters 2 and 4 of this course. Happiness is a positive feeling, a state of wellbeing that can range between contentment to joy and is something that we all fundamentally desire from life. (Spoors et al, 2007, p.5) Happiness is influenced by many factors both within the person, as well as outside. Inside influences involve the brain, biology and cognitive activity of the individual and outside influences consist of relationships and social identity. (Spoors et al, 2007, p.124) This essay will focus firstly on biological influences and then go on to explore the influence of relationships, before concluding that these inside and outside factors are very much interlinked in affecting the happiness of an individual. Happiness from within will be dependent on many factors. These include activity in the brain, the individual’s thinking patterns and perception, genetic dispositions and the effects of brain damage. An example of how genetics can be a contributor to happiness is in a study by Avshalom Caspi et al (2003, cited in Spoors et al, 2007, p.123). 1032 people were studied for 23 years from the age of 3 to 26 to assess the effect of a gene responsible for serotonin production. The gene (5-HTT transporter gene) has two forms (short and long) in three combinations. The results showed that the combination of two long genes, producing the most serotonin, caused the individual to be least susceptible to depression, and the two short gene combination, responsible for producing the least serotonin rendered the individual most susceptible to depression. The study shows how genetics can play a part in an individual’s wellbeing and ability to cope with adversities in life. Brain damage is another example of something within determining happiness. In 1985, Clive Wearing suffered brain damage as a result of a flu virus that attacked his brain. (Spoors et al, 2007, p.12) The Hippocampus was damaged which is the part of the brain responsible for recalling old memories and making new ones. His condition was so acute that he would forget making a diary entry, and if his wife left the room for a few moments on her return he would greet her as if he had not seen her for years. This condition obviously made him very distressed, confused and angry and in 2005 he described his 20 years of the condition as having no dreams or thoughts and there being no difference to that and death. This example clearly shows how brain damage can affect happiness levels. Richard Davidson and Jon Kabat-Zinn (2003, cited in Spoors et al, 2007, p.28) investigated the effects of meditation on right and left front brain activity. The study consisted of two groups of volunteer participants that were highly pressured workers. The findings revealed that the group that received meditation training became significantly happier than the other group who had not yet received the training. An EEG also revealed increased activity in the front of the brain on the left side (the area associated with happiness), as well as developing a stronger immunity to the flu virus. This study shows how it is possible to control thoughts, feelings and behaviour and alter the way the brain operates to live a happier life. (Spoors et al, 2007, p.29) Outside influences that affect happiness are numerous and include such factors as, fulfilment at work, social identity, socio-political factors and being over the poverty line, but the single most important factor affecting happiness is relationships. Relationships can cause pleasure and pain, but without them we would be socially isolated, emotionally deprived and lonely. (Spoors et al, 2007, p.61) “Scientists have shown that our family relationships are more important than any other single factor affecting our happiness” (Layard, 2005, cited in Spoors et al, 2007, p.125). We all need to feel needed, supported and valued and this begins from infancy. An example of a factor that affects happiness in babies is whether they have a secure or insecure attachment to their primary carer. In an observational study by Mary Ainsworth (1978, cited in Spoors et al, 2007, p.65) a securely attached child would be happy and have the confidence in exploring the world around them when the parent or carer was in the room. They became distressed when they would leave the room and quickly comforted on their return. An insecure child, however, was indifferent or unsure about the parent, and was less confident in exploring the room. This research demonstrates the importance of the external factor of nurture in affecting happiness. An example of how relationships are important in affecting happiness can be seen in adolescent relationships. These teenage relationships provide a vital role in the transition from childhood to adulthood. At this age, mutually supportive peer relationships aid the development of personal identity and become “more frequent, more sustained, more complex, more intimate, more cohesive” (Schaffer, 1996, cited in Spoors et al, 2007, p.72) and therefore generate a great deal of happiness. However, if an individual is unable to form a relationship it can be a very difficult time and they will experience feelings of rejection and social isolation which can be carried into adulthood. (Spoors et al, 2007, p.73) This demonstrates how relationships are vital in shaping ‘self-concept’, and the inability to form them early on may affect future relationships and their happiness. Another example that links wellbeing and relationships is Robert Lane’s argument that we gain happiness through our close relationships. (2000, cited in Spoors et al, 2007, p.84) He states that loved ones opinions of an individual will have a profound influence on mood and general happiness. Factors such as whether they feel affection or dislike, acceptance or rejection, and general good or bad opinion will come into play. Family and close friends tend to receive positivity, love and warmth from one another, providing reassurance and support, an important source of happiness. To conclude, happiness is a result of both inside and outside influences. It is possible to control and shape the brain in our thoughts, feelings and behaviours to be happy, through such mediums as meditation. Although this will not change outside influences, it will change our perception, helping us cope better with situations. ‘Nature’, (genetics and cognitive tendencies) and ‘nurture’, (relationships and experience) contribute to the levels of happiness of an individual. These are interlinked with each other, as factors from within will impact external factors, likewise, adversities of life will affect us within. In the words of Richard Layard (2005, cited in Spoors et al, 2007, p.125) “Happiness comes from outside and from within. The two are not in contradiction.” Word Count: 1089 Bibliography Spoors, P., Dyer, E.W. and Finlay, L. (2007) Starting with psychology, Milton Keynes, The Open University