Exploring Psychology: Saying Thanks Will Make You Happier

Psychology



Particularly at this time of year, we are often reminded that it is better to give than receive but according to latest research into positive psychology, receiving can be just as good for the soul providing you remember to say thanks.

In a very interesting blog interview I came across, Alvaro Fernandez talked to Dr. Robert Emmons, who studies gratitude for a living as Professor of Psychology at University of California (UC) Davis and is Editor-In-Chief of the Journal of Positive Psychology.

According to Dr. Emmons Gratitude is a positive emotion that has only recently been subject to serious scientific study and the findings are very interesting. It is claimed that the practice of gratitude can increase happiness levels by around 25% and this increased well being is not difficult to achieve. A few hours writing a gratitude journal over a 3 week period is said to create an effect that lasts 6 months and brings with it other health benefits such as longer and better quality of sleep.

Related Reading

Thanks!: How the New Science of Gratitude Can Make You Happier by Robert Emmons



Book Description

As editor-in-chief of the Journal of Positive Psychology, Dr. Robert Emmons is uniquely qualified to put Albert Schweitzers famous dictum Gratitude is the secret to life to a rigorous scientific test.

In a book that will appeal to readers of Stumbling on Happiness and Martin Seligmans classic Learned Optimism, Emmons draws on the first major scientific study of the subject to show how the systematic cultivation of gratitude can measurably change peoples lives.

Emmons also reaches beyond science to bolster the case for gratitude by weaving in the writings of philosophers, novelists, and theologians. Like no other book has before, Thanks! inspires readers to embrace gratitude and all the benefits it can bring into our lives.

For more details and/or to get hold of this psychology book, just click on the following link.

Thanks!: How the New Science of Gratitude Can Make You Happier
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Exploring Psychology: Saying Thanks Will Make You Happier

Exploring Psychology: The 12 Neuroses of Christmas.

Exploring Psychology



(Photo Credit: Manuel Bóo)

Tis the season to be merry, so for a less serious look at the world of psychology I thought you might want to take a look at an article published in psychology today. Entitled "A White-Knuckle Christmas: This holiday season, sugarplums won't be the only things dancing in our heads", author Bruce Kluger identifies a range of holiday specific psychological disorders.

Among the disorders are Ho-Ho-Phobia (HHP) which is described as follows:

"A profound fear of rotund, bearded men in red suits and black boots. HHP outbreaks usually surface in late November, when sufferers begin to report frequent sightings of their most feared apparition on street corners, in shop windows and on TV commercials for local car dealerships. Often referring to these men as Santa Claus, St. Nick or "chortling fatboy," the afflicted appear most unsettled by what they call "department store Santas," whom they insist "are constantly surrounded by cranky little men in green outfits who keep glancing at their watches."

You can read the article in full by Clicking Here

Have A Stress Free Holiday Season Everybody!



Exploring Psychology: The 12 Neuroses of Christmas.