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Human HappinessHuman Happiness

Psychology 162Psychology 162

Dacher KeltnerDacher KeltnerUniversity of California, BerkeleyUniversity of California, Berkeley

www.greatergood.berkeley.eduwww.greatergood.berkeley.edu



Syllabus and RequirementsSyllabus and Requirements

Course involvement Course involvement

Reflection, narrativeReflection, narrative

Read Read

Two empirical books, one from philosophyTwo empirical books, one from philosophy

ExamsExams

Cumulative, essay, short IDCumulative, essay, short ID



What is happiness?What is happiness?



A Myriad of Things A Myriad of Things

JenJen Hiking in the SierrasHiking in the Sierras ModerationModeration Understanding self Understanding self Virtue Virtue Standing out from othersStanding out from others EudamoniaEudamonia Fulfilling dutiesFulfilling duties

JusticeJustice Financial WellFinancial Well--beingbeing DemocracyDemocracy LaughterLaughter Being in loveBeing in love FriendsFriends

Good gradesGood grades Delicious burritoDelicious burrito Reunion with familyReunion with family GivingGiving



Why Study Happiness?Why Study Happiness?

(Lyubomirsky, King, & Diener, 2005)(Lyubomirsky, King, & Diener, 2005)

Experimental, CrossExperimental, Cross--sectional, Longitudinal datasectional, Longitudinal data

HealthHealth

Happy Marriages: 5 to 1 ratioHappy Marriages: 5 to 1 ratio

Happy ChildrenHappy Children

Happy Neighborhoods: Happy individuals moreHappy Neighborhoods: Happy individuals more

likely to engage in community servicelikely to engage in community service Itll be good for our cultureItll be good for our culture



Happiness and HealthHappiness and Health

Happy nuns at 22 2.5 times less likely to dieHappy nuns at 22 2.5 times less likely to diebetween 80 and 90between 80 and 90

Happy about aging adds 7.5 years to lifeHappy about aging adds 7.5 years to life

Happy at 70 adds 20 months to lifeHappy at 70 adds 20 months to life Happiness associated withHappiness associated with

Fewer health symptomsFewer health symptoms Fewer strokesFewer strokes

Fewer fatal accidentsFewer fatal accidents Reduced cardiovascular diseaseReduced cardiovascular disease Reduced allergic reactionReduced allergic reaction



Happiness at work Happiness at work

Most cheerful college students makeMost cheerful college students make$25,000/year compared to least cheerful$25,000/year compared to least cheerful

Happy workers more productive, better job Happy workers more productive, better job performanceperformance

Happiness leads to boost in creative thought,Happiness leads to boost in creative thought,problem solvingproblem solving

Happiness makes for more integrativeHappiness makes for more integrative

negotiatorsnegotiators Emotionally intelligent managers have moreEmotionally intelligent managers have more

satisfied teamssatisfied teams



Our culture needs it Our culture needs it

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l y

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B e l g i u m

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F r a n c e

P o r t u g a l

A u s t r i a

H u n g a r y U S U K

C h i l d r e n ' s w e l l - b e i n

g



A right to the pursuit of happiness A right to the pursuit of happiness

For economic systemsFor economic systems

For political systemsFor political systems

For ethical systemsFor ethical systems



Virtue Ethics in Classical Thought Virtue Ethics in Classical Thought

Aristotle and moderation ( Aristotle and moderation (Nichomachean ethicsNichomachean ethics)) Anybody can become angry Anybody can become angry -- that is easy, but to be angry withthat is easy, but to be angry with

the right person and to the right degree and at the right timethe right person and to the right degree and at the right timeand for the right purpose, and in the right wayand for the right purpose, and in the right way -- that is not that is not

within everybody's power and is not easywithin everybody's power and is not easy Bring your desires down to your present means. Increase themBring your desires down to your present means. Increase them

only when your increased means permit only when your increased means permit

Eudamonia: Flourishing expression of core passions,Eudamonia: Flourishing expression of core passions,

strengthsstrengths

The feeling of virtue at the end of lifeThe feeling of virtue at the end of life



HedonismHedonism

Happiness is the sum of our sensoryHappiness is the sum of our sensorypleasurespleasures



Utilitarianism: J.S.Mill, BenthamUtilitarianism: J.S.Mill, Bentham

Happiness is found in actions that promote happiness forHappiness is found in actions that promote happiness forthe greatest number of peoplethe greatest number of people

Happiness is an individual right:Happiness is an individual right:Thomas Jefferson and The Declaration of IndependenceThomas Jefferson and The Declaration of Independenceon inalienable rights: life, liberty, and the pursuit of on inalienable rights: life, liberty, and the pursuit of

happiness.happiness.



Happiness in the afterlifeHappiness in the afterlife

JudeoJudeo--Christian Thought Christian Thought To love is to suffer. To avoid suffering, one must not love. But then,To love is to suffer. To avoid suffering, one must not love. But then,

one suffers from not loving. Therefore, to love is to suffer; not toone suffers from not loving. Therefore, to love is to suffer; not tolove is to suffer; to suffer is to suffer. To be happy is to love. To belove is to suffer; to suffer is to suffer. To be happy is to love. To be

happy, then, is to suffer, but suffering makes one unhappy.happy, then, is to suffer, but suffering makes one unhappy.Therefore, to be happy, one must love or love to suffer or sufferTherefore, to be happy, one must love or love to suffer or sufferfrom too much happiness.from too much happiness.

Happiness = impossible to attainHappiness = impossible to attain Happiness is found in the release from the body, passionHappiness is found in the release from the body, passion

Tomkins: positive emotion arises in cessation of negativeTomkins: positive emotion arises in cessation of negative Solomon: Opponent process theory: pleasure the antithesis of painSolomon: Opponent process theory: pleasure the antithesis of pain



Happiness is a set of practicesHappiness is a set of practices

GivingGiving

Social connectionSocial connection

PlayPlay

ExerciseExercise

Meditation/contemplationMeditation/contemplation

NatureNature

ForgivenessForgiveness



Would you choose the happinessWould you choose the happiness

device? (Robert Nozick, 1974)device? (Robert Nozick, 1974)



BuddhismBuddhism

Nirvana and the eightfold pathNirvana and the eightfold path 1. Life as we live it is suffering, frustration1. Life as we live it is suffering, frustration 2. Cause of suffering, clinging, grasping, ignorance2. Cause of suffering, clinging, grasping, ignorance

3. Release: nirvana, disengage from grasping3. Release: nirvana, disengage from grasping

4. 8 fold practice/path: action, thought 4. 8 fold practice/path: action, thought

TibetanTibetan If you want others to be happy, practice compassion, if you want toIf you want others to be happy, practice compassion, if you want to

be happy practice compassion.be happy practice compassion. His Holiness the Dalai LamaHis Holiness the Dalai Lama



Confucianism and Confucianism and JenJen

(Confucius, Analects, 551 B C (Confucius, Analects, 551 B C 479 B C47 9 B C ))

A person of A person of jen jen, Confucius observes,, Confucius observes, wishing to establish his own character, wishing to establish his own character,

also establishes the character of others.also establishes the character of others. A person of A person of jen jen brings the good things of brings the good things of

others to completion and does not bringothers to completion and does not bring

the bad things of others to completion.the bad things of others to completion. Happiness found in respect and reverence,Happiness found in respect and reverence,

social harmony (Kitayama)social harmony (Kitayama)



Taoism and the mysterious wayTaoism and the mysterious way

(Lao Tzu:(Lao Tzu: Tao Te ChingTao Te Ching))

When man is born, he is tender and weak When man is born, he is tender and weak At death he is stiff and hard At death he is stiff and hard All things, the grass as well as trees, are tender and subtle while alive All things, the grass as well as trees, are tender and subtle while alive When dead, they are withered and dried When dead, they are withered and dried

Therefore the stiff and the hard are companions of deathTherefore the stiff and the hard are companions of death The tender and weak are the companions of lifeThe tender and weak are the companions of life If the tree is stiff, it will break If the tree is stiff, it will break The strong and the great are inferior, while the tender and the weak areThe strong and the great are inferior, while the tender and the weak are

superiorsuperior

--happiness not grasped with rational mind and categorieshappiness not grasped with rational mind and categories--return to nature, not intentional strivingreturn to nature, not intentional striving--happiness is contradictory, paradoxical (Opposite of a great truth is a great happiness is contradictory, paradoxical (Opposite of a great truth is a great truth)truth)-- happiness in natural unfolding of being (Wuhappiness in natural unfolding of being (Wu--Wei: Not acting)Wei: Not acting)



Big InsightsBig Insights

Happiness is the central question in manyHappiness is the central question in manyphilosophical discussionsphilosophical discussions

Happiness is many thingsHappiness is many things

Insight into yourInsight into your

own profileown profile



Predecessors to a Science of Predecessors to a Science of

HappinessHappiness Darwin: Happy nonhumans?Darwin: Happy nonhumans?

Freud: pleasure principle, catharsisFreud: pleasure principle, catharsis

Marx: AlienationMarx: Alienation

Humanistic movements: self Humanistic movements: self--actualizationactualization

Maslow, RogersMaslow, Rogers



New Science of HappinessNew Science of Happiness

(Positive Psychology: Seligman, Peterson)(Positive Psychology: Seligman, Peterson)

Uncharted territory:Uncharted territory:

Anger over gratitude Anger over gratitude

Fear over compassionFear over compassion Divorce over longDivorce over long--term marriagesterm marriages

Disease over positive healthDisease over positive health

WellWell--funded Psychological Science:funded Psychological Science:--lifting people fromlifting people from --5 to +15 to +1

What lifts people from +7 to +8What lifts people from +7 to +8



Clarifying the Conceptual DomainClarifying the Conceptual Domain

(Kahneman, 1999)(Kahneman, 1999) WellWell--being:being: Overall my life is going well Overall my life is going well

Traits:Traits: I am an enthusiastic person I am an enthusiastic person

Emotions:Emotions: I feel reverence and gratitude I feel reverence and gratitude

Sensations:Sensations: This February sun feels good on my This February sun feels good on myskinskin



Canonical Research TraditionsCanonical Research Traditions

Subjective WellSubjective Well--beingbeing

Happy people, traitsHappy people, traits

Positive EmotionPositive Emotion

Predicting happinessPredicting happiness



Overall WellOverall Well--beingbeing

(Diener, Myers)(Diener, Myers) Self Self--report: Overall how satisfied are youreport: Overall how satisfied are you

with your life (Diener)with your life (Diener)



Measurement: Domains and theMeasurement: Domains and the

nuances of happiness (Carol Ryff)nuances of happiness (Carol Ryff)

Autonomy Autonomy

Environmental masteryEnvironmental masteryPersonal growthPersonal growth

Positive relations with othersPositive relations with others

Purpose in lifePurpose in life

Self Self--acceptanceacceptance



Other measuresOther measures

Face and voiceFace and voice



The Jen ratioThe Jen ratio

The Good brought out in others/The bad The Good brought out in others/The bad brought out in othersbrought out in others



M o

n e y ?

M o

n e y ?

0 1 0

2 0

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5 0

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8 0

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e ar : 1 9 7 0

Y e ar : 1 9 9 3

Percent saying being wealthy a primary

goal in life



Activities done for more money Activities done for more money

Long commutesLong commutes

Leave community for higher paying job Leave community for higher paying job

Long distance relationshipsLong distance relationships

Long hoursLong hours



Money and Happiness (Myers,Money and Happiness (Myers,

Diener)Diener) Wealth of country correlatesWealth of country correlates

with happiness r = .67with happiness r = .67 Wealth correlates withWealth correlates with

happiness in poor countrieshappiness in poor countries

Wealth in US correlates .12Wealth in US correlates .12with happinesswith happiness

37% of Forbes wealthiest less37% of Forbes wealthiest lesshappy than average Americanhappy than average American

Between 1957 and 1995Between 1957 and 1995wealth of Americans doubled,wealth of Americans doubled,

happiness unchanged happiness unchanged Lottery winners not moreLottery winners not morehappy than accident victimshappy than accident victims(Brickman)(Brickman)

4 3.82

2.96

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Winne s

Cont ols Pa aplegics S e

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e d H a

e s s



Age: Stormy youth? Mid Life crisis? Age: Stormy youth? Mid Life crisis?(Myers & Diener, 1995)(Myers & Diener, 1995)

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6070

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15-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65-74

Series1



1.1. Puerto RicoPuerto Rico2. Mexico2. Mexico3. Denmark3. Denmark4. Colombia4. Colombia5. Ireland5. Ireland

6. Iceland6. Iceland7. N. Ireland7. N. Ireland8. Switzerland8. Switzerland9. Netherlands9. Netherlands10. Canada10. Canada11. Austria11. Austria12. El Salvador12. El Salvador13. Venezuela13. Venezuela14. Luxembourg14. Luxembourg15. U.S.15. U.S.16. Australia16. Australia17. New Zealand17. New Zealand18. Sweden18. Sweden19. Nigeria19. Nigeria20. Norway20. Norway21. Belgium21. Belgium22. Finland22. Finland

23. Singapore23. Singapore24. W. Germany24. W. Germany25. France25. France26. Argentina26. Argentina27. Vietnam27. Vietnam28. Chile28. Chile29. Indonesia29. Indonesia30. Philippines30. Philippines31. Taiwan31. Taiwan

32. Brazil32. Brazil33. Spain33. Spain

35. Italy35. Italy36. Portugal36. Portugal37. E. Germany37. E. Germany

38. Slovenia38. Slovenia39. Japan39. Japan40. Czech Rep40. Czech Rep41. S. Africa41. S. Africa42. Croatia42. Croatia43. Greece43. Greece

44. Peru44. Peru45. China45. China46. Morocco46. Morocco47. S. Korea47. S. Korea48. Iran48. Iran49. Poland49. Poland

50. Turkey50. Turkey51. Bosnia51. Bosnia52. Uganda52. Uganda53. Algeria53. Algeria54. Bangladesh54. Bangladesh55. Egypt55. Egypt

56. Kyrgyzstan56. Kyrgyzstan

57. Hungary57. Hungary58. Slovakia58. Slovakia59. Jordan59. Jordan

60. Estonia60. Estonia61. Serbia61. Serbia62. Tanzania62. Tanzania63. Azerbaijan63. Azerbaijan64. Montenegro64. Montenegro65. India65. India

66. Lithuania66. Lithuania67. Macedonia67. Macedonia68. Pakistan68. Pakistan69. Latvia69. Latvia70. Albania70. Albania71. Bulgaria71. Bulgaria

72. Belarus72. Belarus73. Georgia73. Georgia74. Romania74. Romania75. Moldova75. Moldova76. Russia76. Russia77. Armenia77. Armenia

78. Ukraine78. Ukraine79. Zimbabwe79. Zimbabwe



Countries and HappinessCountries and Happiness

Democracy r = .85Democracy r = .85

EqualityEquality

Inequality kills (Kawachi, Harvard University)Inequality kills (Kawachi, Harvard University)



Happiness East, West Happiness East, West

East East West West

ContradictoryContradictory Positive emotionPositive emotion KitayamaKitayama

EmotionEmotion

Social engagement Social engagement Disengagement Disengagement MesquitaMesquitaCalmnessCalmness Excitement Excitement TsaiTsai

RolesRoles EmotionsEmotions SuhSuh



The Big 2: Relationships, Work The Big 2: Relationships, Work

Relationship literaturesRelationship literatures

Friendships extremely powerfulFriendships extremely powerful

LonelinessLoneliness

Marriage effectsMarriage effects

Social networksSocial networks



Gender, marriage and happinessGender, marriage and happiness

(Myers, Diener, 1995)(Myers, Diener, 1995)

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Happy people?Happy people?



Table 11.5Table 11.5. Positive emotionality, as assessed in the magnitude of the smile shown in a photograph at age 20,. Positive emotionality, as assessed in the magnitude of the smile shown in a photograph at age 20,predicts adult personality, relationship satisfaction, and personal wellpredicts adult personality, relationship satisfaction, and personal well being over the next 30 years.being over the next 30 years.

MeasureMeasurePositive EmotionalityPositive Emotionality Negative EmotionalityNegative Emotionality Age 21 Age 21 --.37**.37** Age 27 Age 27 --.21*.21* Age 43 Age 43 --.21*.21* Age 52 Age 52 --.27**.27** Aff iliation Aff iliation Age 21 Age 21 .33*.33* Age 43 Age 43 .18+.18+ CompetenceCompetence Age 27 Age 27 .19+.19+ Age 43 Age 43 .20*.20* Age 52 Age 52 .29**.29**

WellWell--beingbeing Age 21 Age 21.20*.20* Age 27 Age 27 .25*.25* Age 43 Age 43 .18+.18+ Age 52 Age 52 .28**.28** Marital WellMarital Well--beingbeing Age 52 Age 52 .20*.20* SourceSource: Harker & Keltner, 2001. Note: ** = p < .01, * = p < .05, + = p < .10.: Harker & Keltner, 2001. Note: ** = p < .01, * = p < .05, + = p < .10.



Traits and HappinessTraits and Happiness

Temporal stability: .6Temporal stability: .6correlation betweencorrelation betweenestimates separated by 6estimates separated by 6

months to 6 yearsmonths to 6 years

Heritability of happinessHeritability of happiness

50% of happiness is50% of happiness istemperament temperament

40% is cultivated 40% is cultivated

0.51 0.48

0.18 0.2

00.10.2

0.30.40.50.6

E x t r a

v e r s i o n

N e u r o t i c i

s m

C o r r e l a t i o n s B e t w e e n

T w i n s '

P e r s o n a l i t y T r a i t s

Monozygotic

Dizygotic



Characteristics of Happy PeopleCharacteristics of Happy People

OptimismOptimism

Extraversion:Extraversion:

Sociable, outgoing, energeticSociable, outgoing, energetic

HeritableHeritable

ControlControl

Less NeuroticismLess Neuroticism

Spiritual f aithSpiritual f aith



Negative Emotion Bias in f ield Negative Emotion Bias in f ield

Negative more prominent in taxonomiesNegative more prominent in taxonomies

Negative assumed to be more evolved,Negative assumed to be more evolved,

more rooted in physiologymore rooted in physiology

Negative assumed to have stronger impact Negative assumed to have stronger impact upon adjustment upon adjustment



Positive Emotions Broaden and Positive Emotions Broaden and

Build (Fredrickson, 1998, 2001)Build (Fredrickson, 1998, 2001) Negative emotions narrow thought actionNegative emotions narrow thought action

Positive emotionsPositive emotions

Broaden thought repertoiresBroaden thought repertoires

Build relationshipsBuild relationships



Positive emotionsPositive emotions

More creative word associationsMore creative word associations

More integrative negotiationsMore integrative negotiations

More overlap with outgroup membersMore overlap with outgroup members

Greater similarity to romantic partnerGreater similarity to romantic partner

Better problem solvingBetter problem solving

Greater donation to strangersGreater donation to strangers

POSITIVE EMOTIONPOSITIVE EMOTION



POSITIVE EMOTION:POSITIVE EMOTION: A language A language

for the 3 to 1 (own life) and 5 to 1 ratiosfor the 3 to 1 (own life) and 5 to 1 ratios(Marriage)(Marriage) ResourcesResources

EnthusiasmEnthusiasm Approach Goal Approach GoalCo ntentment Co ntentment Satiatio nSatiatio n

Soc ial Relatio nsSoc ial Relatio ns

LoveLove Attac hment Attac hment DesireDesire Reproduc tio nReproduc tio nCo mpassio nCo mpassio n Nur t ur anc eNur t ur anc ePr idePr ide Elevated Stat us Elevated Stat us Gr atit udeGr atit ude Rec iproc ity/Fr iends hipRec iproc ity/Fr iends hip Awe Awe Leaders Leaders

Dis t r ess Reduc tio nDis t r ess Reduc tio nRelief R elief

Knowledg eKnowledg e

Inter es t Inter es t Lear ning Lear ning Amus ement Amus ement Tr ansfor matio n Ins i ht Tr ansfor matio n Ins i ht



Happiness is unknowableHappiness is unknowable

(Dan Gilbert)(Dan Gilbert) Aff ective Forecasting and Aff ective Forecasting and

mispredicting happinessmispredicting happiness

Tenure decisions dont alterTenure decisions dont alter

happiness as predictedhappiness as predicted Romantic breakups dont Romantic breakups dont

eithereither

Ignore psychologicalIgnore psychological

immune systemimmune system

5.44 5.27

3.89

0

1

2

3

4

56

"Lucki s" Actual

"Leftover s"

Predicted

"Leftover s"

S a t i s f a c t i o n



Ignore Psychological ImmuneIgnore Psychological Immune

SystemSystem Amazing reslience of humans in f ace of Amazing reslience of humans in f ace of

stress, traumastress, trauma

Diener: events 3 months or greater in past Diener: events 3 months or greater in past minor eff ect on wellminor eff ect on well--beingbeing

Bonanno: f or many, traumas have minorBonanno: f or many, traumas have minoreff ects on welleff ects on well--being, ad justment being, ad justment

Immune neglect Immune neglect



Elements of an evolutionaryElements of an evolutionary

analysisanalysis Gene replicationGene replication

Selection pressuresSelection pressures

NaturalNatural SexualSexual

IntrasexualIntrasexual

IntersexualIntersexual

GroupGroup Adaptations Adaptations

Environment of Evolutionary AdaptednessEnvironment of Evolutionary Adaptedness

xamp es o ap a ons: c enxamp es o ap a ons: c en



xamp es o ap a ons: c enxamp es o ap a ons: c ensolutions to survival, reproductionsolutions to survival, reproduction

related problemsrelated problemsTrait Trait ProblemProblem

Startle responseStartle response Physical threat Physical threat

Sweet pref erenceSweet pref erence Identif y nutritionIdentif y nutrition

JealousyJealousy Mate guardingMate guarding

Pregnancy sicknessPregnancy sickness Fetus vulnerabilityFetus vulnerability

Babys similarity to dadBabys similarity to dad PaternalPaternaluncertaintyuncertainty



Origins of Happiness: Are weOrigins of Happiness: Are we

designed to be happy?designed to be happy? Evolution of our UltrasocialityEvolution of our Ultrasociality

Hunter gatherersHunter gatherers

Archeology Archeology

Primate predecessorsPrimate predecessors



Dimensions to our UltrasocialityDimensions to our Ultrasociality

CareCare--takingtaking

Flattened HierarchiesFlattened Hierarchies

Conf lict and ReconciliationConf lict and Reconciliation

CoordinationCoordination

Fragile MonogamyFragile Monogamy



Take care or dieTake care or die



The Amygdala as PreconsciousThe Amygdala as Preconscious

EvaluatorEvaluator Anatomical description Anatomical description

Input from sensory systems prior to hippocampusInput from sensory systems prior to hippocampus

Evidence from animals with amygdalaEvidence from animals with amygdalalesions.lesions.

Evidence from fMRI researchEvidence from fMRI research

Responds to threat, aff ective salience of stimuliResponds to threat, aff ective salience of stimuli

Shut down during loveShut down during love



Nucleus AccumbensNucleus Accumbens

Rich with dopamine receptorsRich with dopamine receptors

Dopamine: WantingDopamine: Wanting

Opiates: LikingOpiates: Liking

Activated by: Activated by: pretty f acespretty f aces

f ood, musicef ood, musice

Pleasurable scenesPleasurable scenes

winning moneywinning money

heroin, amphetamines, cocaineheroin, amphetamines, cocaine

The Dopamine, Opiate interplay (DePue)The Dopamine, Opiate interplay (DePue)



The Frontal Lobes and ExecutiveThe Frontal Lobes and Executive

ControlControl Anatomy Anatomy

Patient work: Orbitof rontal PatientsPatient work: Orbitof rontal Patients

f MRI Work f MRI Work

Emotion Regulation, appraisalEmotion Regulation, appraisal

Empathy: mPFCEmpathy: mPFC

Secondary rewards: social status, touchSecondary rewards: social status, touch

Emotions in Decision MakingEmotions in Decision Making



Oxytocin and Trust Oxytocin and Trust

Functions of OxytocinFunctions of Oxytocin

Faithf ul and f risky volesFaithf ul and f risky voles

Oxytocin and loveOxytocin and love

The Neuroeconomics of Trust The Neuroeconomics of Trust



Oxytocin and Trust Oxytocin and Trust

Oxytocin and Trust

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% W

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Happiness and HemisphericHappiness and Hemispheric

Asymmetry Asymmetry The Lef t Frontal Cortex and PositiveThe Lef t Frontal Cortex and Positive

EmotionEmotion

Emotion Studies:Emotion Studies:approach related positive emotionapproach related positive emotion

trait happinesstrait happiness

Studies of Buddhist MonksStudies of Buddhist Monks

Studies of MeditationStudies of Meditation



Vagal Tone Vagal Tone

Increased positive emotionIncreased positive emotion

More resilient response to bereavement More resilient response to bereavement

More sympathetic prosocial childrenMore sympathetic prosocial children

Trusted more in interactions withTrusted more in interactions withstrangersstrangers



Compassion as A Master Emotion?Compassion as A Master Emotion?

Karen Armstrong: Unites religionsKaren Armstrong: Unites religions

Martha Nussbaum: A Moral EmotionMartha Nussbaum: A Moral Emotion

Kindness a Universal VirtueKindness a Universal Virtue

From Experience to Sentiment to Way of From Experience to Sentiment to Way of Lif eLif e

Enabler and outcome of many proEnabler and outcome of many pro--socialsocialexperiences, f rom art to altruismexperiences, f rom art to altruism



Some Def initionsSome Def initions Compassion: Concern to enhance the welf are of Compassion: Concern to enhance the welf are of

another who suff ers or is in needanother who suff ers or is in need

Empathy: mirroring or understanding of othersEmpathy: mirroring or understanding of others

emotion.emotion. Mimicry: Imitation of others emotion, behaviorMimicry: Imitation of others emotion, behavior

Love of Humanity: A belief in the goodness, Love of Humanity: A belief in the goodness, connectedness of othersconnectedness of others

Pity: Feeling of concern f or someone f elt to bePity: Feeling of concern f or someone f elt to beinf erior to self inf erior to self



The War on CompassionThe War on Compassion

FRE UDIAN MIND: The very emphasis of the c ommandment: Thou shalt not kill, makes it c ertainFRE UDIAN MIND: The very emphasis of the c ommandment: Thou shalt not kill, makes it c ertainthat we are desc ended from an endlessly long c hain of g enerations of mu rderers, whose love of that we are desc ended from an endlessly long c hain of g enerations of mu rderers, whose love of mu rder was in their blood as it is perhaps also in ou rsmu rder was in their blood as it is perhaps also in ou rs. Sig mu nd Freu d . Sig mu nd Freu d

LIB ER TARI ANISM: I f any c ivilization is to su rvive, it is the morality of altru ism that men have toLI B ER TARI ANISM: I f any c ivilization is to su rvive, it is the morality of altru ism that men have toreject .reject . Ayn R and Ayn R and

POLI TIC AL THE O RY: Of mankind we may say in g eneral t hey are fic kle, hypoc rit ic al, and g reedyPOLI TIC AL THE O RY: Of mankind we may say in g eneral t hey are fic kle, hypoc rit ic al, and g reedyof g ainof g ain..

M ac hiavelliM ac hiavelli

EV OLUTI ONARY SU RVIV AL OF THE FI TTEST: The natu ral world is g rossly immoral. Natu ralEV OLUTI ONARY SU RVIV AL OF THE FI TTEST: The natu ral world is g rossly immoral. Natu ralselect ion c an honestly be desc ribed as a proc ess for maximizing short sig ht ed sel fishnesssel ect ion c an honestly be desc ribed as a proc ess for maximizing short sig ht ed sel fishnessGeorg e Will iamsGeorg e Will iams

M O R AL THE O RY: Sy mpat hy as a g ood natu red emot ion is al way s b l ind and weak M O R AL THE O RY: Sy mpat hy as a g ood natu red emot ion is al way s b l ind and weak. I mmanu el . I mmanu el Kant Kant



Compassion as Opponent (InCompassion as Opponent (In

Western Thought)Western Thought) Compassion belittles recipientsCompassion belittles recipients

Compassion entails a loss of f reedomCompassion entails a loss of f reedom

Compassion is inherently subjective, Compassion is inherently subjective,

unreliable as an ethical principleunreliable as an ethical principle

Compassion as enemy to achievement Compassion as enemy to achievement



Compassion def icits?Compassion def icits?

US only culture to practice solitaryUS only culture to practice solitaryconf inement (Gawande)conf inement (Gawande)

US harshest prison sentences (2 million inUS harshest prison sentences (2 million inprison)prison)



Empathy def icits: Autism SpectrumEmpathy def icits: Autism Spectrum

Parallel Play and Tim PageParallel Play and Tim Page

Def icits in pretense, teasing, Def icits in pretense, teasing, voice modulation, irony, voice modulation, irony, social relationshipssocial relationships

Egocentrism: Diff icultyEgocentrism: Diff icultyunderstanding otherunderstanding otherindependent of self independent of self

Mind in Eyes (BaronMind in Eyes (Baron--Cohen)Cohen)

0

5

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35

IQ

atched c ¡ ntr ¡ ls Asper ¢

er s

M i

£

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Darwin: Survival of the Kindest Darwin: Survival of the Kindest

sympathy, he argued, will have been inc reased through natural selec tion; f orthose c ommunities, whic h inc luded the greatest number of the most sympathetic members, would f lourish best , and rear the greatest number of off spring(Darwin, 1871/2004, p.130).



Emergence of ProEmergence of Pro--social Emotionsocial Emotion

Reliable Identif icationReliable Identif ication

Contagious CompassionContagious Compassion

Shif t Costs and Benef its of GivingShif t Costs and Benef its of Giving

It Pays to Be GoodIt Pays to Be Good



Its not in the f aceIts not in the f ace



0

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70

80

90

100

A m u s

e m e

n t

A

w e

C m p a s s i

o n

D e s i r e

E n t h u s i a s

m

I n e r e s t

G r a t i t u

d e

L o v e

A c c u r a c

( c h a n c e = 9 %



T ouch and th e spr ead o f goo dness T ouch and th e spr ead o f goo dness

Emotion and Touch

0

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40

50

60

70

C o m p a

s s i o n

G r a t i t u

d e L o v e

A n g e r F e

a r

D i s g u s t F

r e q u e n c y C h o o s i n g C o r r

e c t

E m o t i o n

Correct Label

Next choice



Contagious CompassionContagious Compassion

Neonate distress reactionsNeonate distress reactions

Emotional, Physiological Convergence inEmotional, Physiological Convergence in

FriendsFriends Compassion inspires elevationCompassion inspires elevation

Gratitude spreads through net worksGratitude spreads through net works

Positive Emotion spreads throughPositive Emotion spreads throughcommunitiescommunities

Collective JoysCollective Joys

Reversing CostReversing Cost--Benefit Analyses:Benefit Analyses:



Reversing Cost Reversing Cost Benef it Analyses:Benef it Analyses:Compassion promotes CommonCompassion promotes Common

Humanity with those in needHumanity with those in need Increase the Gains of GivingIncrease the Gains of Giving

Cooperation activates reward regions of theCooperation activates reward regions of the

brain (Rilling et al)brain (Rilling et al) Giving produces more enduring pleasure thanGiving produces more enduring pleasure than

receivingreceiving

Increase sense of common humanityIncrease sense of common humanity

Expanded circle: Peter SingerExpanded circle: Peter Singer

Compassion correlates with policy attitudesCompassion correlates with policy attitudesthat enhance young, sick , elderlythat enhance young, sick , elderly



Singer: Evolving Circle of CareSinger: Evolving Circle of Care

Bequeath(ed) humans with a sense of empathyBequeath(ed) humans with a sense of empathy an ability to treat other peoples interests asan ability to treat other peoples interests ascomparable to ones own. Unf ortunately, bycomparable to ones own. Unf ortunately, by

def ault we apply it only to a very serious narrow def ault we apply it only to a very serious narrow circle of f riends and f amily. People outside that circle of f riends and f amily. People outside that circle were treated as subhuman and can becircle were treated as subhuman and can beexploited with impunity. But over history theexploited with impunity. But over history the

circle has expanded f rom village to the clan tocircle has expanded f rom village to the clan tothe tribe to the nation to other races to otherthe tribe to the nation to other races to othersexes and to other species.sexes and to other species.



Compassion promotes sense ofCompassion promotes sense of



Compassion promotes sense of Compassion promotes sense of similarity to the weak (Oveis et al., similarity to the weak (Oveis et al.,

2009)2009)

-0.4

-0.3

-0.2

-0.1

0

0.1

0.2

0.3

0.4

Low Vulnerability Moderate Vulnerability High Vulnerability

B e t a c o r r e l a t i o n s b e t w e e n t r a i t a f f e c t a n d

s i m i l a r i t r a

t i n

sCompassion

Pride

V l S t i T tV l S t i T t



Vagal Superstars in a Trust Vagal Superstars in a Trust Tournament Tournament

50 participants played in internet trust 50 participants played in internet trust gamegame

Give bet ween 1 and 20 raff le tickets to 12Give bet ween 1 and 20 raff le tickets to 12diff erent individualsdiff erent individuals

Viewed individuals f or 20 seconds on Viewed individuals f or 20 seconds onvideovideo

Gif t tripled in value, value to be returned Gif t tripled in value, value to be returned laterlater



It Pays to Be GoodIt Pays to Be Good

Vagal Tone

Trust

Resources Received

T = 4.69, p < .01T = 17.01, p < .001

T = 4.19, p < .01(T = 1,59, ns)

C i Ad t tiC i Ad t ti



Compassion as an AdaptationCompassion as an AdaptationShaped by Natural SelectionShaped by Natural Selection

Health of off springHealth of off spring

Sexual SelectionSexual Selection

Social SelectionSocial Selection 0

0.5

1

1.5

2

2.5

3

3.5

Fi ci l

ros ect

Beauty Ki dness I m

r t a n c e a s m a t e

= i n

i s p e n s a b l e )

Women

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The Compassionate BrainThe Compassionate Brain

Pain, others pain: Anterior CingulatePain, others pain: Anterior Cingulate

Empathy: Pref rontal cortex, Temporal Parietal JunctionEmpathy: Pref rontal cortex, Temporal Parietal Junction

Maternal Love: Lateral Orbitof rontal cortexMaternal Love: Lateral Orbitof rontal cortex

Romantic Love: Reduced Amygdala, Ventral StriatumRomantic Love: Reduced Amygdala, Ventral Striatum

Compassion: Amygdala, Pref rontal cortexCompassion: Amygdala, Pref rontal cortex

The Compassionate NervousThe Compassionate Nervous



The Compassionate NervousThe Compassionate NervousSystemSystem

Brain: Amygdala, Anterior cingulate, PreBrain: Amygdala, Anterior cingulate, Pre--f rontalf rontalcortex, Lateral Orbitof rontal cortexcortex, Lateral Orbitof rontal cortex

Vagus Nerve Vagus Nerve

Immune systemImmune system

Oxytocin, DopamineOxytocin, Dopamine

GenesGenes

Dopamine DR4 predicts self Dopamine DR4 predicts self --reported altruismreported altruism A VPR1 A (vasopressin) predicts generosity in A VPR1 A (vasopressin) predicts generosity inultimatum gameultimatum game



Altruism Altruism

Compassion is a motiveCompassion is a motiveof altruism;of altruism;distress/anxiety predictsdistress/anxiety predicts

more egoistic actionmore egoistic action

Predicts altruism inPredicts altruism inchildrenchildren

Greater helping, altruismGreater helping, altruismin rural areasin rural areas

0

0.

.

.

B Obj tiv m i

H o u r

t w

k l y w i t h J

t

Anonymous

Seen by other s



CaregivingCaregiving

Volunteerism = Uncompensated assistance given to Volunteerism = Uncompensated assistance given tothose in needthose in need

31% of US in any year31% of US in any year Guided by compassion, empathic concernGuided by compassion, empathic concern

CareCare--givers who care 14 hours/week 36% reduced givers who care 14 hours/week 36% reduced chance of dying in 7 year period (Stephanie Brown)chance of dying in 7 year period (Stephanie Brown)

Emotional disorders as deficits inEmotional disorders as deficits in



Emotional disorders as def icits inEmotional disorders as def icits inSelf Self --compassioncompassion

Self Self --compassioncompassion See f ailures kindlySee f ailures kindly See self as part of larger humanitySee self as part of larger humanity

Hold pains in mindf ul attentivenessHold pains in mindf ul attentiveness Self Self --compassion predictscompassion predicts Reduced anxietyReduced anxiety Reduced depressionReduced depression Reduced ruminationReduced rumination Reduced neurotic perf ectionismReduced neurotic perf ectionism



CultivationCultivation

MeditationMeditation

Family NarrativesFamily Narratives

Developmental progressionDevelopmental progression

GivingGiving



Moral Emotions (Haidt , Greene)Moral Emotions (Haidt , Greene)

Emotions = Moral IntuitionsEmotions = Moral Intuitions

Chicken exampleChicken example

Trolleyology: f lip switch vs. pushTrolleyology: f lip switch vs. push

CompassionCompassion Suff ering, HarmSuff ering, Harm

Disgust Disgust PurityPurity

Anger Anger Autonomy Autonomy

Elevation, gratitudeElevation, gratitude Others goodnessOthers goodness



Ref lection and PracticeRef lection and Practice

Write down something youre gratef ul f orWrite down something youre gratef ul f or

Expressions of gratitude in everyday lif eExpressions of gratitude in everyday lif e



Gratitude as a Moral EmotionGratitude as a Moral Emotion

Feeling of appreciation, reverence f orFeeling of appreciation, reverence f orwhat is givenwhat is given

Historical BackgroundHistorical Background Adam Smith: Social glue of economic culture Adam Smith: Social glue of economic culture

R. Trivers (1971): Motive of reciprocalR. Trivers (1971): Motive of reciprocalaltruism amongst nonaltruism amongst non--kinkin

Woodruff : Reverence f or what is givenWoodruff : Reverence f or what is given

Gratitude as guide to good lifeGratitude as guide to good life



Gratitude as guide to good lif eGratitude as guide to good lif e(Emmons, McCullough)(Emmons, McCullough)

BarometerBarometer Tracks generosity in relationshipsTracks generosity in relationships

MotiveMotive

Clark: thanked participants more likely to helpClark: thanked participants more likely to help Kurzban (2001): touched participants more likely toKurzban (2001): touched participants more likely to

cooperate with strangercooperate with stranger

RewardReward thank you on bill: 11% higher tips thank you on bill: 11% higher tips

Volunteers in adolescent home Volunteers in adolescent home Baseline return: 43%Baseline return: 43% Sent thank you notes: 80%lSent thank you notes: 80%l



Gratitude/ Appreciation/ReverenceGratitude/ Appreciation/Reverence

Appreciation f or Appreciation f orloved ones uniquelyloved ones uniquelyrelates to social wellrelates to social well--being in relationshipsbeing in relationships

ExpressingExpressingappreciation at work appreciation at work

23%

43%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

Increase in r ucti it



Gratitude DiariesGratitude Diaries

McCullough: Expressions of gratitude, McCullough: Expressions of gratitude, better health 3 weeks laterbetter health 3 weeks later

Lyubomirsky: 1 time a week write downLyubomirsky: 1 time a week write downwhat youre gratef ul f or, boosts inwhat youre gratef ul f or, boosts inhappinesshappiness




Universality of conf lict Universality of conf lict

Sibling conf lict Sibling conf lict

Romantic (20% inf idelity rates)Romantic (20% inf idelity rates) Unhappy couples: 1.5 hours of conf lict a dayUnhappy couples: 1.5 hours of conf lict a day

Parent child (even in womb)Parent child (even in womb)

Step relationsStep relations

Political, tribalPolitical, tribal



Evolution of reconciliationEvolution of reconciliation

De Waal:De Waal: C h imp anzee Politics C h imp anzee Politics

In contras t to disp ers al h yp ot h es is :In contras t to disp ers al h yp ot h es is :

Conf lict Conf lict reconciliationreconciliation One animal: bowing, exp os ure of vulnerableOne animal: bowing, exp os ure of vulnerable

p art s of body, op enp art s of body, op en--h anded ges tures, h anded ges tures,

Ot h er: groom, embraceOt h er: groom, embrace



Human reconciliationHuman reconciliation

WWII: Japanese, Germans mortal enemiesWWII: Japanese, Germans mortal enemies

Rwanda: Hutus, Tutsis: reconciliationRwanda: Hutus, Tutsis: reconciliation

commissioncommission Biehl reconciliation project Biehl reconciliation project

Alternative to legal punishment Alternative to legal punishment



Everyday reconciliation, f orgivenessEveryday reconciliation, f orgiveness

Embarrassment as appeasement deviceEmbarrassment as appeasement device

Show display, punished lessShow display, punished less

Blush: punished lessBlush: punished less Greeting gesturesGreeting gestures

Opening doorsOpening doors




Forgiveness of transgressionsForgiveness of transgressions

Def inition: Accepting transgression, Def inition: Accepting transgression, decline in punitive tendency, decline indecline in punitive tendency, decline inavoidance, increase in compassion toward avoidance, increase in compassion toward partnerpartner

Hold grudge vs. release: decline in f ight of Hold grudge vs. release: decline in f ight of f light physiologyf light physiology

Tsang, McCullough, & Fincham, 2006:Tsang, McCullough, & Fincham, 2006:couples who f orgive happier 9 weeks latercouples who f orgive happier 9 weeks later



Narrative ref lectionNarrative ref lection

Write about an experience of awe, whenWrite about an experience of awe, whenyou f elt you were in the presence of you f elt you were in the presence of

something greater than the self something greater than the self



Beauty, Awe, and the SacredBeauty, Awe, and the Sacred

A Family of Awe Experiences A Family of Awe Experiences

BeautyBeauty

Awe Awe ReverenceReverence

SacredSacred

h ih i



John MuirJohn Muir

June 5June 5 A magnif icent section of the Merced Valley at what is called Horseshoe Bend came f ull in sight A magnif icent section of the Merced Valley at what is called Horseshoe Bend came f ull in sight ------

a glorious wilderness that seemed to be calling with a thousand songf ul voices. Bold, downa glorious wilderness that seemed to be calling with a thousand songf ul voices. Bold, down--sweeping slopes, f eathered with pines and clumps of manzanita with sunny open spaces bet weensweeping slopes, f eathered with pines and clumps of manzanita with sunny open spaces bet weenthen, make up most of the f oreground, the middle and background present f old beyond f old of then, make up most of the f oreground, the middle and background present f old beyond f old of f inely modeled hills and ridges rising into mountainf inely modeled hills and ridges rising into mountain--like masses in the distanceThe wholelike masses in the distanceThe wholelandscape showed design, like mans noblest sculptures. How wonderf ul the power of its beauty!landscape showed design, like mans noblest sculptures. How wonderf ul the power of its beauty!

Gazing awestricken, I might have lef t everything f or it. Beauty beyond thought everywhere, Gazing awestricken, I might have lef t everything f or it. Beauty beyond thought everywhere, beneath, above, made and being made f orever.beneath, above, made and being made f orever. The next day Muirs meandering immersion in the boundless beauty of the Sierras yielded theThe next day Muirs meandering immersion in the boundless beauty of the Sierras yielded the

f ollowing:f ollowing: June 6June 6 We are now in the mountains and they are in us, kindling enthusiasm, making every nerveWe are now in the mountains and they are in us, kindling enthusiasm, making every nerve

quiver, f illing every pore and cell of us. Our f leshquiver, f illing every pore and cell of us. Our f lesh--andand--bone tabernacle seems transparent asbone tabernacle seems transparent asglass to the beauty about us, as if truly an inseparable part of it , thrilling with the air and trees, glass to the beauty about us, as if truly an inseparable part of it , thrilling with the air and trees, streams, and rocks, in the waves of the sunstreams, and rocks, in the waves of the sun a part of all nature, neither old nor young, sick nora part of all nature, neither old nor young, sick nor

well, but immortal How glorious a conversion, so complete and wholesome it is, scarce awell, but immortal How glorious a conversion, so complete and wholesome it is, scarce amemory enough of the old bondage days lef t as a standpoint to view it f rom.memory enough of the old bondage days lef t as a standpoint to view it f rom.



EmersonEmerson

In the woods, we return to reason and f aith. There IIn the woods, we return to reason and f aith. There If eel that nothing can bef all me in lif ef eel that nothing can bef all me in lif e---- no disgrace, nono disgrace, nocalamity (leaving me my eyes), which nature cannot calamity (leaving me my eyes), which nature cannot repair. Standing on the bare ground, repair. Standing on the bare ground, my head bathed my head bathed

by the blithe air and uplif ted into inf inite space, by the blithe air and uplif ted into inf inite space, allallmean egotism vanishes. I become a transparent mean egotism vanishes. I become a transparent eyeball; I am nothing; I see all; the currents of theeyeball; I am nothing; I see all; the currents of theUniversal Being circulate through me; I am part or parcelUniversal Being circulate through me; I am part or parcelof God. The name of the nearest f riend sounds thenof God. The name of the nearest f riend sounds thenf oreign and accidental; to be brothers, to bef oreign and accidental; to be brothers, to be

acquaintances, master or servant , is then a trif le and aacquaintances, master or servant , is then a trif le and adisturbance. I am the lover of uncontained and disturbance. I am the lover of uncontained and immortal beauty. (Nature(1836/1982), p.39).immortal beauty. (Nature(1836/1982), p.39).

D i i h fD i i h f



Darwin in the f orest Darwin in the f orest

It creates a f eeling of wonder that soIt creates a f eeling of wonder that somuch beauty should be apparently created much beauty should be apparently created

f or so little purpose. The f orest was af or so little purpose. The f orest was atemple f illed with varied productions of temple f illed with varied productions of the God or Naturethe God or Nature

A F il f A iA F il f A i



A Family of Awe experiences A Family of Awe experiences

Vast Vast Accom Accom Threat Threat BeautyBeauty Virtuey Virtuey SupernaturalSupernatural

Exper. w / GodExper. w / God X X X X X X X X

LeaderLeader X X X X X X

ElevationElevation X X X X

TornadoTornado X X X X X X CathedralCathedral X X X X X X ?? ??

MusicMusic X X X X X X

Aesthetics Aesthetics X X X X

B tB t



BeautyBeauty

Golden ratiosGolden ratios

A + B is to A as A is to B A + B is to A as A is to B

Prototypical f acesPrototypical f aces

Wil Bi hili (l f t )Wil Bi hili (l f t )



Wilson: Biophilia (love of nature)Wilson: Biophilia (love of nature)

Pref erences f or resource richPref erences f or resource richenvironmentsenvironments

Th b fit f GTh b fit f G



The benef its of GreenThe benef its of Green

Frances Kuo (2001)Frances Kuo (2001)

In green regions of Chicago Housing project , 48%In green regions of Chicago Housing project , 48%f ewer property crimes, 56% f ewer violent crimesf ewer property crimes, 56% f ewer violent crimes

Girls with green views score higher on self Girls with green views score higher on self --discipline, discipline, delay of gratif ication, impulse control, concentrationdelay of gratif ication, impulse control, concentration

ADHD symptoms drop af ter walking in park compared ADHD symptoms drop af ter walking in park compared to quiet urban areato quiet urban area

In regions of Chicago project with more trees and In regions of Chicago project with more trees and grass, neighbors f elt greater community, knew eachgrass, neighbors f elt greater community, knew eachother, saf erother, saf er

G d H lthG d H lth



Green and HealthGreen and Health

Ulrich, 1991Ulrich, 1991

Green scenes deGreen scenes de--activation heart rate, blood activation heart rate, blood

pressurepressure Heart surgery patients exposed to greenHeart surgery patients exposed to green

scenes, need less strong pain medicationsscenes, need less strong pain medications

Natyasastra (3rdNatyasastra (3rd-- 5th centuries A.D.)5th centuries A.D.)A th ti ti (R tiA th ti ti (R ti



Aesthetic emotion (Rasa emotion: Aesthetic emotion (Rasa emotion:

Without Ego)Without Ego) SthayiSthayi--bhavabhava RasaRasa

sexual passionsexual passion lovelove

amusement amusement amusement amusement

sorrowsorrow compassioncompassion angeranger angeranger

f earf ear terrorterror

perseverance, dynamic energyperseverance, dynamic energy heroicheroic

disgust disgust horrorhorror wonderwonder awesome, wonderawesome, wonder

serenityserenity calmcalm

A B i f Hi t f AA B i f Hi t f A



A Brief History of Awe A Brief History of Awe

Early conversion experiences, being in presenceEarly conversion experiences, being in presenceof Godof God

Burkes revolution (1757): secular aweBurkes revolution (1757): secular awe

Patterns light , dark Patterns light , dark Ox vs. cowOx vs. cow

Not smellsNot smells

Power, obscurityPower, obscurity

Weber: political aweWeber: political awe Emerson: Transcendent self Emerson: Transcendent self

A E l ti tA E l ti t



An Evolutionary story An Evolutionary story

Hierarchical speciesHierarchical species

Peacef ul hierarchies require respect Peacef ul hierarchies require respect

Attaching to powerf ul f igures Attaching to powerf ul f igures Subordinate self interest f or hierarchySubordinate self interest f or hierarchy

A li di lA li di l



A mammalian display A mammalian display

Table 1: Darwins observations of emotions related to aweTable 1: Darwins observations of emotions related to awe _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ Admiration Admiration eyes opened, eyebrows raised, eyes bright , smile, eyes opened, eyebrows raised, eyes bright , smile, Astonishment Astonishment eyes open, mouth open, eyebrows raised, hands placed eyes open, mouth open, eyebrows raised, hands placed

over mouthover mouth Devotion (reverence)Devotion (reverence) f ace upwards, eyelids upturned, f ainting, pupils upwardsf ace upwards, eyelids upturned, f ainting, pupils upwards

and inwards, humbling kneeling posture, hands upturnedand inwards, humbling kneeling posture, hands upturned _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________

A e and the Sa edA e and the Sa ed



Awe and the Sacred Awe and the Sacred

Awe promotes expanded self Awe promotes expanded self

Awe and vagal response Awe and vagal response

Awe and goosebumps Awe and goosebumps

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

Awe Com ssion Gr itude Love P e r e n t g e o f p e o p l e r e p o r t i n g g o o

e b u m p

The individual prone to aweThe individual prone to awe



The individual prone to aweThe individual prone to awe

High vagal tone predicts increased High vagal tone predicts increased spiritual experiencespiritual experience

Prone to chills at musicProne to chills at music Open to experience: art , cultureOpen to experience: art , culture

Decorates room with books, art , weird Decorates room with books, art , weird

sayingssayings

Reverence (Woodruff)Reverence (Woodruff)



Reverence (Woodruff )Reverence (Woodruff )

Experiences of awe trigger common humanity, small self Experiences of awe trigger common humanity, small self and f eeling of reverence, respect and f eeling of reverence, respect

Managers, judges who hand out decisions with respect Managers, judges who hand out decisions with respect judged to be more f air judged to be more f air

Young men should be f ilial when at home and respect f ul Young men should be f ilial when at home and respect f ulto their elders when away f rom home. They should beto their elders when away f rom home. They should beearnest and f aithf ul. They should love all extensively and earnest and f aithf ul. They should love all extensively and be intimate with men of humanity. When they have anybe intimate with men of humanity. When they have any

energy to spare af ter the perf ormance of moral duties, energy to spare af ter the perf ormance of moral duties, they should use it to study literature and the arts.they should use it to study literature and the arts.

A New Science of ReligiosityA New Science of Religiosity



A New Science of Religiosity A New Science of Religiosity

William James: Varieties of ReligiousWilliam James: Varieties of ReligiousExperienceExperience

Catholicism, Judaism: more socialCatholicism, Judaism: more social Protestantism: experientialProtestantism: experiential

Spirituality (the sacred)Spirituality (the sacred)



Spirituality (the sacred)Spirituality (the sacred)

Experience of the sacredExperience of the sacred

Beyond self, unites, design, higher purpose, Beyond self, unites, design, higher purpose,

small self, common substance/humanity, self small self, common substance/humanity, self located in broader pattern/f orcelocated in broader pattern/f orce

Spirituality and healthSpirituality and health



Spirituality and healthSpirituality and health

Myers: Spiritually oriented report higher levels of happinessMyers: Spiritually oriented report higher levels of happiness Smith, McCullough, 2003: Spiritually oriented report less depressionSmith, McCullough, 2003: Spiritually oriented report less depression

145 stu dies, 98,000 participants145 studies, 98,000 participants R =R = --.096, greater during stress.096, greater during stress

Putnam: greater spirituality greater volunteerism, altruismPutnam: greater spirituality greater volunteerism, altruism

McCullough et al. (2000)McCullough et al. (2000) Meta analysis 42 studies: religious 29% more likely to be alive at any time point Meta analysis 42 studies: religious 29% more likely to be alive at any time point

McCullough et al., 2009McCullough et al., 2009 Terman longitu dinal study: 1523 high IQ peopleTerman longitudinal study: 1523 high IQ people Three cur vesThree curves

Always religious: Extraverts, neurotics Always religious: Extraverts, neurotics Always non religious Always non religious

Become more religious: AgreeableBecome more religious: Agreeable Religious women live longer, due to social commitments, health behaviorsReligious women live longer, due to social commitments, health behaviors

Evolutionary storyEvolutionary story



Evolutionary storyEvolutionary story

David Sloan WilsonDavid Sloan Wilson

UniversalUniversal

Same f orm across culturesSame f orm across cultures Unites group against other groupsUnites group against other groups

The Critique of ReligionThe Critique of Religion



The Critique of ReligionThe Critique of Religion

Sam Harris: divides people, causesSam Harris: divides people, causesconf lict , harmf ul to womenconf lict , harmf ul to women

Richard Dawkins: f aith in creationismRichard Dawkins: f aith in creationismagainst scientif ic reasonagainst scientif ic reason

Christopher Hitchens: Against progress, Christopher Hitchens: Against progress,

f reedom, development f reedom, development

An Emotion Perspective: Summing An Emotion Perspective: Summing



p gp gupup

3 to 1 well3 to 1 well--being ratiobeing ratio

5 to 1 healthy romance ratio5 to 1 healthy romance ratio

Generativity later in lif eGenerativity later in lif e Compassion, agape, empathyCompassion, agape, empathy

Gratitude, f orgiveness, appreciationGratitude, f orgiveness, appreciation

Awe, beauty, reverence, sacred Awe, beauty, reverence, sacred

Thought Patterns and Happiness:Thought Patterns and Happiness:



ggIntellectual PrecursorsIntellectual Precursors

Disciplining the Mind: Wisdom, judgment in BuddhismDisciplining the Mind: Wisdom, judgment in Buddhism

Cognitive revolution in understanding disordersCognitive revolution in understanding disorders Helplessness, hopelessness and depressionHelplessness, hopelessness and depression

Cognitive tendencies and anxietyCognitive tendencies and anxiety

CatastrophizingCatastrophizing

Resilience in response to disease (Taylor, 1984)Resilience in response to disease (Taylor, 1984)

Resilience in response to trauma (Bonanno, 2009)Resilience in response to trauma (Bonanno, 2009)

Resilience in response to physical, emotional abuse asResilience in response to physical, emotional abuse aschild (Cicchetti)child (Cicchetti)

Stress: mind turns stress into challenges or threatsStress: mind turns stress into challenges or threats

Core AssumptionsCore Assumptions



Core AssumptionsCore Assumptions

Thought patterns shape wellThought patterns shape well--beingbeing

Empirical literature: EmotionEmpirical literature: Emotion

Can cultivate new patterns of thought Can cultivate new patterns of thought

From thoughts to wellFrom thoughts to well beingbeing



From thoughts to wellFrom thoughts to well--beingbeing

Stop and smell the rosesStop and smell the roses Gratef ulGratef ul

The sunny side of lif eThe sunny side of lif e OptimismOptimism

The little engine that couldThe little engine that could Adaptive Adaptivecopingcoping

The world is my oysterThe world is my oyster Approach Approach

Im king of the worldIm king of the world IllusionsIllusions

The Gratef ul DispositionThe Gratef ul Disposition



(McCullough et al., 2002)(McCullough et al., 2002)

I have so much in lif e to be thankf ul f orI have so much in lif e to be thankf ul f or

If I had to list everything Im thankf ul f or, it would be aIf I had to list everything Im thankf ul f or, it would be avery long list very long list

When I look at the world, I dont see much to beWhen I look at the world, I dont see much to bethankf ul f orthankf ul f or

I am gratef ul to a wide variety of peopleI am gratef ul to a wide variety of people

As I get older I f ind myself better able to appreciate the As I get older I f ind myself better able to appreciate thepeople, events, and situations that have been part of mypeople, events, and situations that have been part of my

lif e historylif e history Long amounts of time can go by bef ore I f eel gratef ul toLong amounts of time can go by bef ore I f eel gratef ul to

someone or somethingsomeone or something

Correlates of being gratefulCorrelates of being grateful



Correlates of being gratef ulCorrelates of being gratef ul

Gratef ul dispositionGratef ul disposition

Lif e satisf actionLif e satisf action .53***.53***

HappinessHappiness .50***.50***

OptimismOptimism .51**.51**

Anxiety Anxiety --.20*.20*

DepressionDepression --.30**.30**

Peer rate volunteerismPeer rate volunteerism .19*.19*

EnvyEnvy --.17**.17**

PossessivenessPossessiveness --.34**.34**

Styles of Thinking: OPTIMISMStyles of Thinking: OPTIMISM



Styles of Thinking: OPTIMISMStyles of Thinking: OPTIMISM

Def inition: Expectations about the f utureDef inition: Expectations about the f uturethat it will be socially desirable, good, that it will be socially desirable, good,

pleasurablepleasurable Measures:Measures:

In uncertain times, I usually expect the In uncertain times, I usually expect the

bestbest If something can go wrong f or me it will If something can go wrong f or me it will

Optimism and HappinessOptimism and Happiness



Optimism and HappinessOptimism and Happiness

Optimistic people report higher levels of overall wellOptimistic people report higher levels of overall well--being and happinessbeing and happiness

Optimistic people report higher levels of positive emotionOptimistic people report higher levels of positive emotion

Optimistic people have higher resting vagal toneOptimistic people have higher resting vagal tone Optimism measured in 1945 (in men) predicts betterOptimism measured in 1945 (in men) predicts betterreports of health 35 years laterreports of health 35 years later

Optimism rated in coded acceptance speeches in 20thOptimism rated in coded acceptance speeches in 20thcentury presidential candidates predicted the victor 18 of century presidential candidates predicted the victor 18 of

22 times22 times Writing about best self : Greater Happiness, healthWriting about best self : Greater Happiness, health

Adaptive Coping control agencyAdaptive Coping control agency



Adaptive Coping, control, agency Adaptive Coping, control, agency

Adaptive coping associated with positive responses to Adaptive coping associated with positive responses totraumas such as bereavement traumas such as bereavement

Measurement:Measurement:

I concentrate my eff orts on doing something about I concentrate my eff orts on doing something about itit

I do what has to be done one step at a time I do what has to be done one step at a time

I try to come up with a strategy about what to do I try to come up with a strategy about what to do

I make a plan of action I make a plan of action

I try to get advice f rom someone about what to do I try to get advice f rom someone about what to do

The world is my oyster: ApproachThe world is my oyster: Approach



vs. Inhibition (Carver, White, 1994)vs. Inhibition (Carver, White, 1994)

Inhibition (punishment sensitivity)Inhibition (punishment sensitivity)

I worry about making mistakesI worry about making mistakes

Criticism, scolding hurt meCriticism, scolding hurt me

Approach (reward sensitivity, drive, f un) Approach (reward sensitivity, drive, f un)

(Dopamine, Nucleus Accumbens)(Dopamine, Nucleus Accumbens)

When I want something, I go af ter it When I want something, I go af ter it

I crave excitement I crave excitement I do things f or no other reason than f unI do things f or no other reason than f un

When Im doing well at something, I love to keep at it When Im doing well at something, I love to keep at it

Approach and InhibitionApproach and Inhibition



Approach and Inhibition Approach and Inhibition

BISBIS REWARDREWARD

OptimismOptimism --.22*.22* .08.08

Negative aff ect Negative aff ect .42**.42** .05.05Positive Aff ect Positive Aff ect --.06.06 .28**.28**

HappinessHappiness .24**.24**

Explanatory StyleExplanatory Style



Explanatory StyleExplanatory Style

Success: external, transient , specif ic:Success: external, transient , specif ic:(This promotion was due to a good (This promotion was due to a good break)break)

Failure: Internal, stable, global (MyFailure: Internal, stable, global (Mydiff iculties at work are due to characterdiff iculties at work are due to character

f lawsf laws

Truth or Bias in self insight?Truth or Bias in self insight?Positive Illusions and WellPositive Illusions and Well--being:being:



Positive Illusions and WellPositive Illusions and Well being:being:

Taylor & Brown, 1985Taylor & Brown, 1985 Common assumption: truthf ul assessment of self Common assumption: truthf ul assessment of self hallmark of psychological ad justment hallmark of psychological ad justment Humanistic psychologyHumanistic psychology

therapytherapy The Big Three: Optimism, control, self The Big Three: Optimism, control, self --

enhancement enhancement

The mechanisms: Positive moods, motivation, The mechanisms: Positive moods, motivation,

positive relationspositive relations The outcome: WellThe outcome: Well--beingbeing

Unrealistic optimismUnrealistic optimism



Unrealistic optimismUnrealistic optimism

Happier people assume good events moreHappier people assume good events morelikely to happen to them than averagelikely to happen to them than average

person, bad events less likelyperson, bad events less likely

Unrealistic Optimism (Weinstein, Unrealistic Optimism (Weinstein,



1980)1980)

COMP AR ATIVE JUDGMENT OFCOMP AR ATIVE JUDGMENT OF

LIFE EVENTLIFE EVENT OWN VERSUS OTHERS CH ANCES OWN VERSUS OTHERS CH ANCES

Like post graduation job Like post graduation job 50.250.2

Own your own homeOwn your own home 40.340.3

Live past 80Live past 80 11.311.3

Have a mentally gif ted childHave a mentally gif ted child 6.26.2

Have drinking problemHave drinking problem --58.358.3

Attempt suicide Attempt suicide --55.955.9

Divorce af ter a f ew years of marriageDivorce af ter a f ew years of marriage --48.748.7

Heart attach bef ore age 40Heart attach bef ore age 40 --38.438.4

Become sterileBecome sterile --31.231.2

Develop gum problems -12.2

Illusion of ControlIllusion of Control



Illusion of ControlIllusion of Control

Control random eventsControl random events

LangnerLangner

Sell back lottery ticket given: 1.96Sell back lottery ticket given: 1.96 Sell back chose lottery ticket: 9.00Sell back chose lottery ticket: 9.00

Self enhancementSelf enhancement



Self enhancement Self enhancement

Assume we have more of good traits, less Assume we have more of good traits, lessof bad traitsof bad traits

People in hospital f or car accidentsPeople in hospital f or car accidentsestimate theyre better driversestimate theyre better drivers

Linkages to wellLinkages to well--beingbeing



Linkages to wellLinkages to well beingbeing

Illusions enhance goal pursuit Illusions enhance goal pursuit

Illusions enhance positive emotionsIllusions enhance positive emotions

Illusions enhance relationsIllusions enhance relations

CritiquesCritiques



CritiquesCritiques

Pathological biasPathological bias

Narcissists, bipolarsNarcissists, bipolars

Overconf ident undergrads of ten dont studyOverconf ident undergrads of ten dont studyas muchas much

CultureCulture

West more biased in self assessments, West more biased in self assessments,

happiness more tied to such illusionshappiness more tied to such illusions

Toxic ThoughtsToxic Thoughts



Toxic ThoughtsToxic Thoughts

Distrust Distrust Culture of f earCulture of f ear MaterialismMaterialism

Self Interest is path to happinessSelf Interest is path to happiness HyperHyper--competitivenesscompetitiveness Others are out to get usOthers are out to get us Keep up with JonesesKeep up with Joneses

Maximize choice, pleasureMaximize choice, pleasure Perf ectionismPerf ectionism

Toxic Thoughts: DistrustToxic Thoughts: Distrust



Toxic Thoughts: Distrust Toxic Thoughts: Distrust

Cynicism and the Decline of Trust (PaulCynicism and the Decline of Trust (PaulZak)Zak)

High trust cultures less crime, inequalityHigh trust cultures less crime, inequality For every 15% rise in trust , a rise in $430For every 15% rise in trust , a rise in $430

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

N o

r C h

i

G e r

m T

a i w

I n d

U S

M e x

i

G h a

S o u

t h A

P h i

l i p p

B r a

T r u s t i n

f e l l

Culture of Fear (Glassner)Culture of Fear (Glassner)



Culture of Fear (Glassner)Culture of Fear (Glassner)

Teen killers rather than teen healthTeen killers rather than teen health

Teen violence down 30%Teen violence down 30%

Catholic priest pedophilesCatholic priest pedophiles Kidnapped childrenKidnapped children

Violence Violence

Road rage rather than teen drunk drivingRoad rage rather than teen drunk driving

Materialism: Basic NeedsMaterialism: Basic Needs



Materialism: Basic NeedsMaterialism: Basic Needs

19701970 19901990

22ndnd carcar 2020 5959

22ndnd TVTV 33 4545More than 1 phoneMore than 1 phone 22 7878

DishwasherDishwasher 88 4444

Some factsSome facts



Some f actsSome f acts

Richest Richest Poorest (20%)Poorest (20%)Private consumptionPrivate consumption 86%86% 1.3%1.3%Meat , FishMeat , Fish 45%45% 5%5%Total energyTotal energy 58%58% 4%4%Telephone linesTelephone lines 74%74% 1.5%1.5%PaperPaper 84%84% 1.1%1.1%

Vehicles Vehicles 87%87% 1%1%Source: World Bank Development IndicatorsSource: World Bank Development Indicators

Child sees 300 ads a dayChild sees 300 ads a day

Credit card debt Credit card debt $972 billion in America$972 billion in America Average outstanding balance: 10,679 Average outstanding balance: 10,679



Global Priority $ U.S. BillionsGlobal Priority $ U.S. Billions Cosmetics in the United StatesCosmetics in the United States 88 Ice cream in EuropeIce cream in Europe 1111 Perf umes in Europe and the United StatesPerf umes in Europe and the United States 1212 Pet f oods in Europe and the United StatesPet f oods in Europe and the United States 1717 Business entertainment in JapanBusiness entertainment in Japan 3535 Cigarettes in EuropeCigarettes in Europe 5050 Alcoholic drinks in Europe Alcoholic drinks in Europe 105105 Narcotics drugs in the worldNarcotics drugs in the world 400400 Military spending in the worldMilitary spending in the world 780780

Global Priority$U.S. BillionsGlobal Priority$U.S. Billions Basic education f or allBasic education f or all 66 Water and sanitation f or allWater and sanitation f or all 99 Reproductive health f or all womenReproductive health f or all women 1212 Basic health and nutritionBasic health and nutrition 1313 (Source:(Source: The state of human development The state of human development , United Nations Human, United Nations Human

Toxic Thought: MaterialismToxic Thought: MaterialismHa i f d i tiHa i f d i ti



Happiness f ound in consumptionHappiness f ound in consumption

No study f inds associations bet ween materialNo study f inds associations bet ween materialgain and increased wellgain and increased well--beingbeing

Materialistic values in college predict lessMaterialistic values in college predict lesshappinesshappiness

The irony of materialistic actionsThe irony of materialistic actions commutingcommuting disrupts pleasuredisrupts pleasure

An Intellectual Legacy of Cynicism An Intellectual Legacy of Cynicism



g y yg y y

T h e ver y emph asis of t h e commandment : T h ou sh alt not kill, makes it T h e ver y emph asis of t h e commandment : T h ou sh alt not kill, makes it cer tain t h at we ar e descended fr om an endlessly long ch ain of gener ationscer tain t h at we ar e descended fr om an endlessly long ch ain of gener ationsof mur der er s, w h ose love of mur der was in t h eir blood as it is p erh ap s alsoof mur der er s, w h ose love of mur der was in t h eir blood as it is p erh ap s alsoin our sin our s. Sigmund Fr eud . Sigmund Fr eud

If any civilization is to sur vive, it is t h e mor ality of alt r uism t h at men h aveIf any civilization is to sur vive, it is t h e mor ality of alt r uism t h at men h aveto r eject.to r eject. Ayn Rand Ayn Rand

O f mankind we may say in gener al t h ey ar e f ickle, h yp ocr itical, and gr eedyO f mankind we may say in gener al t h ey ar e f ickle, h yp ocr itical, and gr eedyof gainof gain..

Mach iavelliMach iavelli

T h e natur al wor ld is gr ossly immor al. Natur al section can h onestly beT h e natur al wor ld is gr ossly immor al. Natur al section can h onestly bedescr ibed as a pr ocess f or maiximizing sh or t sigh ted self ish nessdescr ibed as a pr ocess f or maiximizing sh or t sigh ted self ish ness Geor ge Geor geWilliamsWilliams

Toxic thought: Happiness f ound inToxic thought: Happiness f ound inUnbridled pursuit of SelfUnbridled pursuit of Self InterestInterest



Unbridled pursuit of Self Unbridled pursuit of Self --Interest Interest

Ayn Rand: To act on Ayn Rand: To act onbehalf of anotherbehalf of anotherperson is treasonperson is treason

Rilling 2002Rilling 2002 Cooperation lights upCooperation lights up

Ventral Caudate Ventral Caudate

Dunn et al. (2008)Dunn et al. (2008)

Average American: Average American:spends 1714 on self, spends 1714 on self, 146 giving146 giving

- .

- .

- .

- .

.

.

.

.

.

Giv t t rs nd n s lf

C h a n g

i n h a p p i n

o m m

o n i n g

Toxic Thoughts: Cynicism (OthersToxic Thoughts: Cynicism (Othersare competitive adversarial)are competitive adversarial)



are competitive, adversarial)are competitive, adversarial)

People are self ish, People are self ish, competitive, aggressive:competitive, aggressive:Homo EconomicusHomo Economicus

Self Self --f ulf illing propheciesf ulf illing propheciesof competitionof competition

Hostile Attribution BiasHostile Attribution Bias

(Ken Dodge)(Ken Dodge)

Blame in couplesBlame in couples

Be avior in ltimat m game

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

40--50% < 40%

P e r c e n t a g e m a k i n g o f f e r

Prisoners Dilemma GamePrisoners Dilemma Game



OtherOther

CoopCoop CompComp

Self Self CoopCoop 3, 33, 3 1, 41, 4

CompComp 4, 14, 1 2, 22, 2

It pays to cooperateIt pays to cooperate



p y pp y p

Wall Street vs. Community: threef old Wall Street vs. Community: threef old increase in competitionincrease in competition

Rand: Cooperators do betterRand: Cooperators do better

Kelley, Stahelski, 1970Kelley, Stahelski, 1970 Competitors make others competitive, seeCompetitors make others competitive, see

world, erroneously, as f ull of competitorsworld, erroneously, as f ull of competitors CooperatorsCooperators

Toxic Thoughts: Perf ectionismToxic Thoughts: Perf ectionism



gg

Parents who praise f or being perf ect Parents who praise f or being perf ect rather than eff ort , hard work (Dweck)rather than eff ort , hard work (Dweck)

Priming the ideal self leads to dejectionPriming the ideal self leads to dejection

Maximizing vs. Satisf icing (BarryMaximizing vs. Satisf icing (BarrySchwartz)Schwartz)



Schwartz)Schwartz)

Whenever Im f aced with a choice, I try to imagine what otherWhenever Im f aced with a choice, I try to imagine what otherpossibilities are, even ones that arent present.possibilities are, even ones that arent present.

When I am in the car listening to music, I of ten check other stationsWhen I am in the car listening to music, I of ten check other stationsto see if something better is playing, even if Im satisf ied with what to see if something better is playing, even if Im satisf ied with what Im listening to.Im listening to.

I of ten f ind it diff icult to shop f or a gif t f or a f riendI of ten f ind it diff icult to shop f or a gif t f or a f riend Renting videos is really diff icult. Im always struggling to pick theRenting videos is really diff icult. Im always struggling to pick the

best one.best one. Im a big f an of lists that attempt to rank things.Im a big f an of lists that attempt to rank things. I f ind writing is very diff icult. Its so hard to get the words just I f ind writing is very diff icult. Its so hard to get the words just

right.right.

No matter what I do, I have the highest standards f or myself .No matter what I do, I have the highest standards f or myself .

MaximizersMaximizers



More regret af ter purchaseMore regret af ter purchase

Less satisf action f rom successLess satisf action f rom success

Less satisf ied with lif eLess satisf ied with lif e Less optimisticLess optimistic

More depressedMore depressed

Keeping up with the JonsesKeeping up with the Jonses



p g p Jp g p J

Upward social comparisons lead toUpward social comparisons lead todissatisf action, dejectiondissatisf action, dejection

Very happy people rarely compare Very happy people rarely comparethemselves to others (Lyubomirsky)themselves to others (Lyubomirsky)

Rumination (NolenRumination (Nolen--Hoeksema)Hoeksema)



(( ))

Dwell on problems, overthinkDwell on problems, overthink Measured by:Measured by:

I go to my room alone and think about my f eelings I go to my room alone and think about my f eelings I isolate myself and think about the reasons Im f eeling this way I isolate myself and think about the reasons Im f eeling this way

Related to:Related to: gender diff erences in depressiongender diff erences in depression ruminative style leads to depression, transf orms negative moods intoruminative style leads to depression, transf orms negative moods into

enduring dysphoric statesenduring dysphoric states rumination leads to less optimism, reduced energy, less motivation, rumination leads to less optimism, reduced energy, less motivation,

worsened concentration, depressive emotion and thoughworsened concentration, depressive emotion and though

Myths of individualism and wisdomMyths of individualism and wisdomof the agesof the ages



of the agesof the ages

We adhere to individualist credo (wereWe adhere to individualist credo (wereseparate, f ind truth on own)separate, f ind truth on own)

As people age, the thing the seek the As people age, the thing the seek themost is loving f riends, f amily; connectionmost is loving f riends, f amily; connection(Carstensen)(Carstensen)

Losing our ultrasociality?Losing our ultrasociality?



g yg y

Divorce rate high (40% to 50%)Divorce rate high (40% to 50%)

Marital satisf action has declined in past 30 years (Myers)Marital satisf action has declined in past 30 years (Myers)

Rise in loneliness (Caccioppo)Rise in loneliness (Caccioppo)

Americans have lost on average 1 close f riend in the Americans have lost on average 1 close f riend in thepast 20 yearspast 20 years

Average American child spends more time watching TV Average American child spends more time watching TVthan with parentsthan with parents

A Need to Belong: Happiness is A Need to Belong: Happiness isfound betweenfound between



f ound bet weenf ound bet ween

Feral children, solitary conf inement Feral children, solitary conf inement Psychopathology, violence related to lonelinessPsychopathology, violence related to loneliness Social support and immune systemSocial support and immune system

Cohen: more f riends, f ewer coldsCohen: more f riends, f ewer colds Kiecolt Kiecolt--Glaser: stronger marriages, better immuneGlaser: stronger marriages, better immunesystemssystems

Intimate relationship and happiness (HappinessIntimate relationship and happiness (Happinessis Bet ween)is Bet ween)

Myers, DienerMyers, Diener One f riend rule f or children with diff icultiesOne f riend rule f or children with diff iculties

Costs of Social ExclusionCosts of Social Exclusion



Social Exclusion = Physical painSocial Exclusion = Physical pain

Being rejectedBeing rejected

Increases f eelings of painIncreases f eelings of pain Reduces perf ormance on IQ test Reduces perf ormance on IQ test

Activation of the anterior cingulate in ball Activation of the anterior cingulate in balltossing paradigm (Williams et al., 2003)tossing paradigm (Williams et al., 2003)

Many kids who bully, school shooters areMany kids who bully, school shooters aresocially excludedsocially excluded

The Invisible Hand of Family:The Invisible Hand of Family:Attachment Theory (Bowlby)Attachment Theory (Bowlby)



Attachment Theory (Bowlby) Attachment Theory (Bowlby)

Three SystemsThree Systems caregiving: f or off springcaregiving: f or off spring Reproductive: desireReproductive: desire Attachment: pairbonding Attachment: pairbonding

Working Models: Ideas about caregiversWorking Models: Ideas about caregivers Attachment styles Attachment styles

Secure: loving, warm, trustingSecure: loving, warm, trusting Anxious: worried, intrusive Anxious: worried, intrusive

More likely to have experienced death of parent , divorce, More likely to have experienced death of parent , divorce, abuseabuse

Avoidant: dismissive, cold Avoidant: dismissive, cold

Secure styleSecure style



I f ind it easy to get comf ortable withI f ind it easy to get comf ortable withothers and am comf ortable depending onothers and am comf ortable depending onthem and having them depend on me. Ithem and having them depend on me. Idont of ten worry about being abandoned dont of ten worry about being abandoned or about others getting too close to meor about others getting too close to me

Avoidant/Dismissive Avoidant/Dismissive



I am somewhat uncomf ortable beingI am somewhat uncomf ortable beingclose. I f ind it diff icult to trust completely, close. I f ind it diff icult to trust completely, diff icult to allow myself to depend ondiff icult to allow myself to depend onanyone. I am nervous when anyone getsanyone. I am nervous when anyone getsclose, and of ten, romantic partners want close, and of ten, romantic partners want me to be more intimate than I f eelme to be more intimate than I f eel

comf ortable being.comf ortable being.

Anxious style Anxious style



I f ind that others are reluctant to get asI f ind that others are reluctant to get asclose as I would like. I of ten worry that close as I would like. I of ten worry that my partner doesnt really love me or wont my partner doesnt really love me or wont stay with me. I want to merge completelystay with me. I want to merge completelywith another person, and this desirewith another person, and this desiresometimes scares people awaysometimes scares people away

The Attachment PerspectiveThe Attachment Perspective



The healthy lives of securely attachedThe healthy lives of securely attached Report greater lif e satisf actionReport greater lif e satisf action More likely to remain in stable relationsMore likely to remain in stable relations Higher positive emotions on daily basisHigher positive emotions on daily basis More likely to f orgiveMore likely to f orgive More likely to be optimisticMore likely to be optimistic More likely to off er social support to romantic partnerMore likely to off er social support to romantic partner

The problems of anxiously attached partnersThe problems of anxiously attached partners More prone to depression, anxietyMore prone to depression, anxiety More prone to drug abuseMore prone to drug abuse More prone to eating disordersMore prone to eating disorders

Within Families: Principle of Within Families: Principle of Diversif ication (Sulloway, Diversif ication (Sulloway, Born toBorn to



R ebelR ebel)) Sibling conf lict omnipresent , of ten violent Sibling conf lict omnipresent , of ten violent

Birth order = power structureBirth order = power structure

First borns: Extraverted, conscientiousFirst borns: Extraverted, conscientious

Latter Borns: Agreeable, Open to ExperienceLatter Borns: Agreeable, Open to Experience

Studies of 28 scientif ic revolutions: Latter borns moreStudies of 28 scientif ic revolutions: Latter borns morelikely to accept revolutionary scientif ic ideaslikely to accept revolutionary scientif ic ideas

Tesser: Highly successf ul parents less close toTesser: Highly successf ul parents less close tochildren who go into careers close to their ownchildren who go into careers close to their own

Romantic Pair BondRomantic Pair Bond



Human Universal: A basic relationshipHuman Universal: A basic relationship

9090--95% of Americans marry95% of Americans marry

Marriage a universalMarriage a universal Although changed in f orms f unctions Although changed in f orms f unctions

Economic exchange to love basedEconomic exchange to love based

Pairbonding, serial monogamyPairbonding, serial monogamy

Not f aring wellNot f aring well



LOVELOVE DESIREDESIRE HAPPYHAPPY

Z.O.Z.O. ParPar Z.O.Z.O. ParPar Z.O.Z.O. ParPar



_______________________________________ _______________________________________ Affili ation cu es Aff ili ation cu es

Sel f Sel f--repo rt repo rt .26*.26* .28*.28* .06.06 --.11.11 .17.17 .04.04Partn er Esti mat ePartn er Esti mat e .25*.25* .21*.21* .17.17 .05.05 .10.10 .00.00

Sexu al C u es Sexu al C u es

Sel f Sel f--repo rt repo rt --.01.01 --.19.19 .30*.30* .34**.34** --.03.03 --23*23*

Partn er Esti mat ePartn er Esti mat e --.01.01 --.17.17 .31*.31* .34**.34** --.04.04 --.07.07

_______________________________________ _______________________________________

Affiliation Cues Affiliation Cues Sexual CuesSexual CuesContr. f or Sexual CuesContr. f or Sexual Cues Contr. f orContr. f or



Aff iliation Cues Aff iliation Cues __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________

Oxy toc in R eac tivit y Oxy toc in R eac tivit y .50**.50** .11.11

Oxy toc in R ec overy Oxy toc in R ec overy .15.15 .12.12 __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________

Demographic perspectiveDemographic perspective



Happy romantic partnerships whenHappy romantic partnerships when

Marry at a later ageMarry at a later age

SESSES

NeuroticismNeuroticism

The Dynamic Interaction StyleThe Dynamic Interaction StylePerspectivePerspective



spsp

Naturalistic methodsNaturalistic methods

The Four Horsemen of the ApocalypseThe Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse

--Contempt Contempt --CriticismCriticism

--StonewallingStonewalling

--Def ensivenessDef ensiveness

A Need f or Many kinds of Love A Need f or Many kinds of Love



Compassionate careCompassionate care--givinggivingproduces secure attachmentsproduces secure attachmentsin childrenin children

Compassion f or partnersCompassion f or partnersweaknesses, needs predictsweaknesses, needs predicts

longlong--term satisf actionterm satisf action Compassionate sacrif ice (toCompassionate sacrif ice (to

enhance partners welf are)enhance partners welf are)predicts stable marriages;predicts stable marriages;anxious sacrif ices (to avoid anxious sacrif ices (to avoid problems) predictsproblems) predicts

dissatisf actiondissatisf action

Parent-ChilSexual De Romantic For Humanity

2 10 1 0 4

4 10 1 2 5

6 9 1 3 6

8 8 1 4 710 7 1 5 7

12 6 1 5 8

14 5 7 6 8

16 4 8 7 9

18 5 9 8 9

20 6 10 9 9.1

25 7 9 10 9.2

30 8 8 9 9.3

35 9 7 8 9.4

40 9.1 6 7 9.5

45 9.2 5 6 9.6

50 9.3 4 5 9.7

60 9.4 3 6 9.8

70 9.5 3 7 9.9

80 9.6 2 8 10

90 9.7 2 9 10

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

2 4 6 8 10 12 1 4 16 18 2 0 25 3 0 35 40 4 5 50 6 0 70 80 9 0

Age

E x p e r i e n c e o

f L o v e

Parent-Child

Sexual Desire

Romantic

For Humanity

Beyond 15%: Toward the magicalBeyond 15%: Toward the magical5 to 1 ratio of positive to negative5 to 1 ratio of positive to negative



p gp g

Humor: playf ul nicknames, laughter and escapes f rom negative aff ect Humor: playf ul nicknames, laughter and escapes f rom negative aff ect cascades, playf ul teasingcascades, playf ul teasing

Gratitude: Appreciation exercises boost happiness of couplesGratitude: Appreciation exercises boost happiness of couples

Loving Kindness: interventions boost happiness of couples (Neff )Loving Kindness: interventions boost happiness of couples (Neff )

Forgiveness: letting go of grudges calms stressForgiveness: letting go of grudges calms stress--related physiology;related physiology;f orgiveness interventions boost wellf orgiveness interventions boost well--beingbeing

Disclosure: Suppressing emotion elevates stressDisclosure: Suppressing emotion elevates stress--related physiology of related physiology of othersothers

Idealization (Sandra Murray)Idealization (Sandra Murray)

FriendshipFriendship



Evolutionary theory: Reciprocal altruism (Trivers, 1971)Evolutionary theory: Reciprocal altruism (Trivers, 1971) cooperation with noncooperation with non--kinkin

Cooperate in childrearing, def ense, resource gatheringCooperate in childrearing, def ense, resource gathering

Alliance f ormation as a counter to alpha f emales, males Alliance f ormation as a counter to alpha f emales, males

(de Waal)(de Waal) Sexual selection theory: peer net works of potentialSexual selection theory: peer net works of potentialreproductive partnersreproductive partners

Tend and bef riend (Taylor, 2002)Tend and bef riend (Taylor, 2002) Friendship and the dopamine, oxytocin interplay (dePue)Friendship and the dopamine, oxytocin interplay (dePue)

Dopamine accompanies approach (e.g., smiling, disclosure)Dopamine accompanies approach (e.g., smiling, disclosure)

Oxytocin rewards closenessOxytocin rewards closeness Taylor: Oxytocin counteracts stressTaylor: Oxytocin counteracts stress

Feeling social support Feeling social support



Table 1: Measure of Social Support (From Zimet , Dalhem, Zimet , & Farley, Table 1: Measure of Social Support (From Zimet , Dalhem, Zimet , & Farley, 1988).1988).

There is a special person who is around when I am in need.There is a special person who is around when I am in need. There is a special person with whom I can share my joys and sorrows.There is a special person with whom I can share my joys and sorrows. My f amily really tries to help me.My f amily really tries to help me. I get the emotional help and support I need f rom my f amily.I get the emotional help and support I need f rom my f amily. I have a special person who is a real source of comf ort f or me.I have a special person who is a real source of comf ort f or me. My f riends really try to help me.My f riends really try to help me. I can count on my f riends when things go wrong.I can count on my f riends when things go wrong. I can talk about my problems with my f amily.I can talk about my problems with my f amily. I have f riends with whom I can share my joys and sorrows.I have f riends with whom I can share my joys and sorrows. There is a special person in my lif e who cares about my f eelings.There is a special person in my lif e who cares about my f eelings.

My f amily is willing to help me make decisions.My f amily is willing to help me make decisions. I can talk about my problems with my f riends.I can talk about my problems with my f riends.

Benef its of strong social support Benef its of strong social support



Alameda County: Those who report weak social support Alameda County: Those who report weak social support 1.9 to 3.1 times more likely to have died nine years later1.9 to 3.1 times more likely to have died nine years later(Berkman & Syme, 1979)(Berkman & Syme, 1979)

Strong social support live longer ( Adler, 2001)Strong social support live longer ( Adler, 2001)

Strong support report greater happinessStrong support report greater happiness Strong support lower levels of cortisol (Kiecolt Strong support lower levels of cortisol (Kiecolt--Glaser)Glaser)

Give stressf ul speech with supportive member inGive stressf ul speech with supportive member inaudience, lower blood pressureaudience, lower blood pressure

Spiegel et al., 1989: women with breast cancer who areSpiegel et al., 1989: women with breast cancer who arein supportive group therapy better lif e expectancy (37in supportive group therapy better lif e expectancy (37vs. 18 months)vs. 18 months)

The Body, Stress, and HealthThe Body, Stress, and Health



The legend of Marie AntoinetteThe legend of Marie Antoinette

The Embodied MindThe Embodied Mind

pencil in mouth experiment and happinesspencil in mouth experiment and happiness Furrowed eyebrows and injusticeFurrowed eyebrows and injustice

Lif ting up makes people use more uplif tingLif ting up makes people use more uplif tingmetaphorsmetaphors

Furrow brows, tighten lips: cardiovascularFurrow brows, tighten lips: cardiovasculararousalarousal

The Core Meaning of StressThe Core Meaning of Stress



When demands exceed capacities, skills, coping abilitiesWhen demands exceed capacities, skills, coping abilities Connection to coping, agency, eff icacy, controlConnection to coping, agency, eff icacy, control

Stress can have many f ormsStress can have many f orms Lif e events: abuse, divorce, disease, economic hardshipLif e events: abuse, divorce, disease, economic hardship Daily hassles: commuting, dishes, parking ticketsDaily hassles: commuting, dishes, parking tickets Positive events: weddings, promotions, new job Positive events: weddings, promotions, new job

Control (learned helplessness)Control (learned helplessness)

Threats to social identity, connection (Dickerson & Kemeny, 2004)Threats to social identity, connection (Dickerson & Kemeny, 2004)

Threat mentality vs. challenge (Blascovich, Mendes)Threat mentality vs. challenge (Blascovich, Mendes)

Prevention vs. promotion f ocus (Higgins)Prevention vs. promotion f ocus (Higgins)

The Hypothalamic Pituitary AdrenalThe Hypothalamic Pituitary Adrenal(HP A) axis (Sapolsky)(HP A) axis (Sapolsky)



( ) ( p y)( ) ( p y)

Chronic stress and:Chronic stress and:

Increased f eelingsIncreased f eelings

of vulnerabilityof vulnerability

Stress, anxiety, f ear, Stress, anxiety, f ear, nervousnessnervousness

Vigilance to threats Vigilance to threats

immune system compromise, ulcers, damage to DN A, immune system compromise, ulcers, damage to DN A,

damage to brain cells, shortened lives in response todamage to brain cells, shortened lives in response todiseasedisease



Chronic stress and cortisol ( Adler, Chronic stress and cortisol ( Adler, Sapolsky)Sapolsky)



yy

UlcersUlcers

Heart diseaseHeart disease

Increased rate of cancer spreadIncreased rate of cancer spread

Cell death in hippocampusCell death in hippocampus

Memory lossMemory loss

Shortened telomeres, parts of DN A that ageShortened telomeres, parts of DN A that age

(aged by 10 years): Eppel(aged by 10 years): Eppel Compromised intellectual f unctioningCompromised intellectual f unctioning

SES, stress and health ( Adler et al., SES, stress and health ( Adler et al., 2001)2001)



Increased prevalence of depression, anxiety disordersIncreased prevalence of depression, anxiety disorders Low birth weight Low birth weight Asthma Asthma DiabetesDiabetes

ObesityObesity High blood pressureHigh blood pressure DiabetesDiabetes Cardiovascular diseaseCardiovascular disease Pain: bad back, stomachPain: bad back, stomach Respiratory illnessRespiratory illness Quicker demise in responding to diff erent diseasesQuicker demise in responding to diff erent diseases

The materialist/situationist account The materialist/situationist account



Lower SES: resource impoverished environmentsLower SES: resource impoverished environments

Fewer parksFewer parks

Fewer health f ood storesFewer health f ood stores

Less natureLess nature Increased pollution, pesticidesIncreased pollution, pesticides

Greater noise and sleep disruptionGreater noise and sleep disruption

Fewer health care centersFewer health care centers

Greater levels of violence, threat Greater levels of violence, threat

Class and rankClass and rank



Lower subjective rank triggers cortisol in baboonsLower subjective rank triggers cortisol in baboons(Sapolsky) which inhibits physical development , more(Sapolsky) which inhibits physical development , morelikely to have diseaselikely to have disease

Lower rank in humans associated with increased threat , Lower rank in humans associated with increased threat ,

anxiety, vigilance, SANS activation (Keltner et al. 2003)anxiety, vigilance, SANS activation (Keltner et al. 2003) British civil servants: higher ranked administrators 1.6British civil servants: higher ranked administrators 1.6

times less likely to die in 10 month period (Marmot et times less likely to die in 10 month period (Marmot et al., 1984)al., 1984)

Each move up the class ladder, less likely to die of Each move up the class ladder, less likely to die of cardiovascular disease, and less vulnerable to all mannercardiovascular disease, and less vulnerable to all mannerof ailments, holding constant access to careof ailments, holding constant access to care

Human genetics, set points, and Human genetics, set points, and change and cultivationchange and cultivation



ProPro--social and stress branches of nervous system, social and stress branches of nervous system, emotional lif eemotional lif e

Heritability coHeritability co--eff icients and happinesseff icients and happiness Twin studies: Extraversion .5 identical t wins, .2 f raternalTwin studies: Extraversion .5 identical t wins, .2 f raternal Dopamine, oxytocin polymorphismsDopamine, oxytocin polymorphisms Dopamine DR4 predicts self Dopamine DR4 predicts self --reported altruismreported altruism A VPR1 A (vasopressin) predicts generosity in ultimatum game A VPR1 A (vasopressin) predicts generosity in ultimatum game

The equation (Lyubomirsky)The equation (Lyubomirsky) 50% genetics50% genetics 10% environment 10% environment 40% voluntary activity40% voluntary activity

The meaning of cultivationThe meaning of cultivation



Skill cultivation (Lyubomirsky)Skill cultivation (Lyubomirsky)

Train your mindTrain your mind

Train your body (breathing, posture, f acial tension)Train your body (breathing, posture, f acial tension)

Train the eye (look at partner in new light)Train the eye (look at partner in new light)

Change your languageChange your language

Change your f rame, metaphorChange your f rame, metaphor

Modest acts: gratitude, appreciationModest acts: gratitude, appreciation

Change your physical environment Change your physical environment

Change your cultureChange your culture

Change your nervous systemChange your nervous system

Tibetan Buddhist Meditation ( AlanTibetan Buddhist Meditation ( AlanWallace:Wallace: Genuine Happ inessGenuine Happ iness))



Attention Attention BreathingBreathing

Settle into relaxed p ostureSettle into relaxed p osture Focus attention in bet ween what youre looking at and eyesFocus attention in bet ween what youre looking at and eyes Breathe 21 timesBreathe 21 times Attend to movements of lungs Attend to movements of lungs

Mindf ulnessMindf ulness Of bodyOf body

Imagine attention as curved surf aceImagine attention as curved surf ace Move this attention up and down bodyMove this attention up and down body Be mindf ul of sensations throughout bodyBe mindf ul of sensations throughout body

Loving KindnessLoving Kindness

Bring to mind a p erson who is dear to youBring to mind a p erson who is dear to you Imagine p ersons suff erings, yearningsImagine p ersons suff erings, yearnings Wish f or p ersons happ inessWish f or p ersons happ iness Extend to another p erson, broadening circle of careExtend to another p erson, broadening circle of care

Hatha Yoga (Hinduism)Hatha Yoga (Hinduism)18 million practitioners in US18 million practitioners in US



1515thth century: Swatmaramacentury: Swatmarama The ten traditional yamas are:The ten traditional yamas are: Ahimsa Ahimsa: Nonviolence. Abstinence f rom injury or harm to any living creature in thought , word, or: Nonviolence. Abstinence f rom injury or harm to any living creature in thought , word, or

deed. This is the "main" yama. The other nine are there in support of its accomplishment.deed. This is the "main" yama. The other nine are there in support of its accomplishment. SatyaSatya: Truthf ulness in word and thought (in conf ormity with the f acts).: Truthf ulness in word and thought (in conf ormity with the f acts). Asteya Asteya: No stealing, no coveting, no entering into debt.: No stealing, no coveting, no entering into debt. BrahmacharyaBrahmacharya: Divine conduct , continence, celibate when single, f aithf ul when married.: Divine conduct , continence, celibate when single, f aithf ul when married.

Kshama: Patience, releasing time, f unctioning in the now.Kshama: Patience, releasing time, f unctioning in the now. Dhriti: Steadf astness, overcoming nonDhriti: Steadf astness, overcoming non--perseverance, f ear, and indecision; seeing each task perseverance, f ear, and indecision; seeing each task through to completion.through to completion.

DayaDaya: Compassion; conquering callous, cruel and insensitive f eelings toward all beings.: Compassion; conquering callous, cruel and insensitive f eelings toward all beings. Arjava: Honesty, straight f orwardness, renouncing deception and wrongdoing. Arjava: Honesty, straight f orwardness, renouncing deception and wrongdoing. Mitahara: Moderate appetite, neither eating too much nor too little; nor consumingMitahara: Moderate appetite, neither eating too much nor too little; nor consuming

Asanas (postures) Asanas (postures) Purif ication proceduresPurif ication procedures Pranayama (breathing)Pranayama (breathing) meditationmeditation

Zazen (zen) meditationZazen (zen) meditation



SittingSitting Mindf ul breathingMindf ul breathing Walking meditationsWalking meditations

Observing still mind, being present Observing still mind, being present Koans (100 or so sayings, 12Koans (100 or so sayings, 12thth, 13, 13thth century)century) If you meet the Buddha, kill him. If you meet the Buddha, kill him. Two hands clap and there is a sound. What is the Two hands clap and there is a sound. What is the

sound of one hand?sound of one hand?

What is the Buddha? Three pounds of f lax. What is the Buddha? Three pounds of f lax. What is the Buddha? Dried Dung. What is the Buddha? Dried Dung.

Mindf ulness based stress reductionMindf ulness based stress reductionprogram (Jon Kabat program (Jon Kabat--Zinn)Zinn)



Body scanBody scan

Imagine eating a raisinImagine eating a raisin

Feel sensations, relaxation in diff erent parts of Feel sensations, relaxation in diff erent parts of bodybody

Sitting exercisesSitting exercises

Hatha YogaHatha Yoga

Evidence and applicationsEvidence and applications



Applied in schools, prisons, workplace Applied in schools, prisons, workplace

Reduction in pain f or people with chronicReduction in pain f or people with chronicdiseasedisease

4 times quicker healing rate f or people with4 times quicker healing rate f or people withPsoriasisPsoriasis

Reductions in anxiety, depression (Teasdale, Reductions in anxiety, depression (Teasdale, Williams, MBSR cognitive therapy)Williams, MBSR cognitive therapy)

Increased sense of hardiness, coherenceIncreased sense of hardiness, coherence

ContemplationContemplation (Flinders, Oman: Eight Point (Flinders, Oman: Eight Point

Program of Passage Meditation)Program of Passage Meditation)



Passage contemplationPassage contemplation

Favorite passageFavorite passage alienation, cynicismalienation, cynicism

MantraMantra rumination, toxic thought rumination, toxic thought

Put others f irst Put others f irst narcissismnarcissism

Focus attentionFocus attention distractiondistraction

Train sensesTrain senses sensory overloadsensory overload

Slow downSlow down overhurriedoverhurried

Ref lectionRef lection



Write down a f avorite passage, saying, Write down a f avorite passage, saying, concept you return toconcept you return to



A Person of Humanity, wishing to establish his own character, also establishes

the character of others (Confucius)

The great secret of morals is love, or a going out of our own nature, and an

identification of ourselves with the beautiful which exists in thought, action or person, not our own. A man, to be greatly good, must imagine intensely and

comprehensively; he must put himself in the place of another and of many

others; the pains and pleasures of his species must become his own. The

great instrument of moral good is the imagination (She ey)



At th e most f un damental l evel our natur e is At th e most f un d am ental l evel our natur e is compassionat e, an d that coop eration , not con f lict , li es at compassionat e, an d that coop eration , not con f lict , li es at th e h eart o f th e b asic principl es that go vern our human th e h eart o f th e b asic principl es that go vern our human exist enc eexist enc e. His Holin ess , th e Dalai Lama . His Holin ess , th e Dalai Lama

th e social instincts l ea d an animal to ta ke pl easur e in th eth e social instincts l ea d an animal to ta ke pl easur e in th esoci ety o f his fello w s , to feel a c ertain amount o f soci ety o f his fello w s , to feel a c ertain amount o f sympathy w ith th em , an d to p er f orm v arious s er v ic es f or sympathy w ith th em , an d to p er f orm v arious s er v ic es f or th em th e gr eat er str ength o f th e social or mat ernal th em th e gr eat er str ength o f th e social or mat ernal instincts than that o f any oth er instinct or moti ve; f or instincts than that o f any oth er instinct or moti ve; f or

th ey ar e p er f orm ed too instantan eously f or r ef l ection , or th ey ar e p er f orm ed too instantan eously f or r ef l ection , or f or pl easur e or even mis ery might be felt . In a timi d f or pl easur e or even mis ery might be felt . In a timi d man , on th e oth er han d, th e instinct o f s el f man , on th e oth er han d, th e instinct o f s el f--pr es er v ation pr es er v ation might be so strong ,might be so strong , Charl es Dar w in , Th e Desc ent o f Charl es Dar w in , Th e Desc ent o f Man Man

Research on contemplationResearch on contemplation



OmanOman

Reductions in stress 19 weeks laterReductions in stress 19 weeks later

Increases in eff icacyIncreases in eff icacy

Meditation: Core principlesMeditation: Core principles



Core PrinciplesCore Principles BreathingBreathing reduced cariovascular arousal, stimulation of vagusreduced cariovascular arousal, stimulation of vagus

nervenerve Awareness of sensations Awareness of sensations Frontal control of limbic system, amygdalaFrontal control of limbic system, amygdala Awareness of mind Awareness of mind Emergence of narrative, meta cognitionEmergence of narrative, meta cognition Loving KindnessLoving Kindness shif t in asymmetry, challenge toshif t in asymmetry, challenge to

cynicism, basis of gratitude, cynicism, basis of gratitude, f orgivenessf orgiveness

Empirical EvidenceEmpirical Evidence MonksMonks Kabat Kabat--Zinn, Davidson (2004): sof t ware engineersZinn, Davidson (2004): sof t ware engineers

Training in MBSR led toTraining in MBSR led to Enhanced immune response to f lu virusEnhanced immune response to f lu virus Shif ts in resting f rontal lobe asymmetryShif ts in resting f rontal lobe asymmetry

Fredrickson, 2008: boosts in happiness over 2 monthsFredrickson, 2008: boosts in happiness over 2 months mindf ul people happier, more optimisticmindf ul people happier, more optimistic

ExamExam



Exam Psychology 162Exam Psychology 162 You will have 1.5 hours f or the exam. The exam will require that you do one long You will have 1.5 hours f or the exam. The exam will require that you do one long

essay on a broader topic in the class, and 10 short IDs (about 2essay on a broader topic in the class, and 10 short IDs (about 2--3 paragraphs on3 paragraphs oneach). Grading will prioritize: 1) clarity of your def initions; 2) the sharpness and each). Grading will prioritize: 1) clarity of your def initions; 2) the sharpness and relevance of your empirical examples; 3) the coherence and originality of yourrelevance of your empirical examples; 3) the coherence and originality of youranalysis and thought.; 4) the relating of your ideas to big questions in the class (doesanalysis and thought.; 4) the relating of your ideas to big questions in the class (doesmoney buy you happiness?)money buy you happiness?)

Example Essay QuestionsExample Essay Questions Have we evolved to be happy? Make an evolutionary case f or the origins of humanHave we evolved to be happy? Make an evolutionary case f or the origins of humanhappiness. Rely on the empirical studies of what is known about the centralhappiness. Rely on the empirical studies of what is known about the centraldeterminants of happiness, and evolutionary studies of our ultrasociality?determinants of happiness, and evolutionary studies of our ultrasociality?

Summarize the evidence related to how wealth or SES inf luences happiness and Summarize the evidence related to how wealth or SES inf luences happiness and physical health? What paradox do you encounter? And how might you synthesizephysical health? What paradox do you encounter? And how might you synthesizethese f indings.these f indings.

Review the physiological underpinnings of stress. What is the core meaning of Review the physiological underpinnings of stress. What is the core meaning of

stress? Review how t wo toxic thought patterns might elevate levels of stress and stress? Review how t wo toxic thought patterns might elevate levels of stress and harm physical health.harm physical health. For your happiness, is it wise to view the self accurately, or through the lens of For your happiness, is it wise to view the self accurately, or through the lens of

diff erent illusions?diff erent illusions?



Key TermsKey Terms CortisolCortisol OptimismOptimism JenJen Orbitof rontalOrbitof rontal

cortexcortex RuminationRumination Satisf icingSatisf icing Awe Awe Amygdala Amygdala HP A axisHP A axis GratitudeGratitude Trust Trust FragileFragile

MonogamyMonogamy

OxytocinOxytocin EmpathyEmpathy SacredSacred Vulnerable off spring Vulnerable off spring Nuculeus AccumbensNuculeus Accumbens Duchenne SmileDuchenne Smile Antiphonal laughter Antiphonal laughter BiophiliaBiophilia Appeasement Appeasement ForgivenessForgiveness

Agency Agency Illusion of controlIllusion of control

NarrativeNarrative



Freud: dream analysis, in depth narrative, and catharsis (insight)Freud: dream analysis, in depth narrative, and catharsis (insight) Literary Studies (Harold Bloom): Shakespeare invented awarenessLiterary Studies (Harold Bloom): Shakespeare invented awareness

of self, narrated identityof self, narrated identity Jerome Bruner, 1986: Meaning Making mindJerome Bruner, 1986: Meaning Making mind

Two modalities of thought:Two modalities of thought:

Scientif ic, rationale, linearScientif ic, rationale, linear Narrative, storiesNarrative, stories

Scripts (Tomkins, Schank)Scripts (Tomkins, Schank) Knowledge is represented in story like structuresKnowledge is represented in story like structures

Going to restaurant , f irst date, wedding, adolescenceGoing to restaurant , f irst date, wedding, adolescence

Possible selves (Hazel Markus)Possible selves (Hazel Markus)

Self as Narrative (Mc Adams, 2008)Self as Narrative (Mc Adams, 2008)



Self as narrativeSelf as narrative Tell to integrate conf licts, goalsTell to integrate conf licts, goals

E.g., bet ween self E.g., bet ween self --interest , compassioninterest , compassion Justice versus conventionalityJustice versus conventionality

Duty and f reedomDuty and f reedom Individual and societyIndividual and society

Of ten involve redemption, connection to those who suff erOf ten involve redemption, connection to those who suff er ContentsContents

SettingsSettings CharactersCharacters

Plot t wists, turnsPlot t wists, turns ThemesThemes Vivid images, events Vivid images, events

Ref lectionRef lection



If your lif e is a novel, what is the book If your lif e is a novel, what is the book jacket version of your story? jacket version of your story?

Sources of Narratives: ParentsSources of Narratives: Parents



ParentsParents Bedtime stories, dinnertime conversations, tales f rom workBedtime stories, dinnertime conversations, tales f rom work

Narratives about our place in the worldNarratives about our place in the world Capps and AgorophobiaCapps and Agorophobia

Studied dinnertime conversations of f amily of mom with agroophobiaStudied dinnertime conversations of f amily of mom with agroophobia

Agorophobia passed f rom mom to child through narratives of outside Agorophobia passed f rom mom to child through narratives of outsideworld, and lack of agency and threat thereworld, and lack of agency and threat there

Narratives about morality (Dunn, Baumrind)Narratives about morality (Dunn, Baumrind) Inductive, authoritarian, laissez f aire reasoning)Inductive, authoritarian, laissez f aire reasoning)

Inductive parenting tells stories about harm, conf lict Inductive parenting tells stories about harm, conf lict

Inductive parenting predicts better social ad justment , wellInductive parenting predicts better social ad justment , well--being, being, increased empathy, moral development (Dunn)increased empathy, moral development (Dunn)

Sources of Narratives: In ritualsSources of Narratives: In rituals



Scheff : social rituals embody narrativesScheff : social rituals embody narratives Weddings, f unerals, proms, Thanksgiving, Weddings, f unerals, proms, Thanksgiving,

liturgiesliturgies

Eating dinner together (Carter, 2010)Eating dinner together (Carter, 2010) Children have f ewer depressive symptoms, Children have f ewer depressive symptoms,

less drug abuse, better grades, moreless drug abuse, better grades, moreemotionally stable, less prone to obesityemotionally stable, less prone to obesity

(Pollan)(Pollan) High points, low points; thorns and rosesHigh points, low points; thorns and roses

Source of Narratives: CulturalSource of Narratives: Culturalartif actsartif acts



Tsai (2007)Tsai (2007)

US high excitement culture, East Asia veers toward US high excitement culture, East Asia veers toward valuing calm, contentednessvaluing calm, contentedness

US dangerous recreational practices, happinessUS dangerous recreational practices, happinessdef ined in terms of excitement , more likely to bedef ined in terms of excitement , more likely to beaddicted to exciting drugsaddicted to exciting drugs

US childrens books: Protagonists are highly excited US childrens books: Protagonists are highly excited (Dr. Seuss, Where the Wild Things Are, Huck Finn)(Dr. Seuss, Where the Wild Things Are, Huck Finn)

US ads: more excited smilesUS ads: more excited smiles

Narratives in MusicNarratives in Music



Semantics and musicSemantics and music

Susan Langer: Form and FeelingSusan Langer: Form and Feeling Music has structure of great narrativesMusic has structure of great narratives Juslin: Acoustic properties of music (amplitude, rise time, pitch, speed)Juslin: Acoustic properties of music (amplitude, rise time, pitch, speed)

same as acoustics of basic vocalizations f or emotions like angersame as acoustics of basic vocalizations f or emotions like anger(justice), sadness (loss), joy(justice), sadness (loss), joy

Rent f row & Gosling, 2003Rent f row & Gosling, 2003 Extraverts pref er highly energetic, upbeat music (country, hip hop, Extraverts pref er highly energetic, upbeat music (country, hip hop,

electronica)electronica) Open to experience pref er ref lective, complex music (alternative, jazz)Open to experience pref er ref lective, complex music (alternative, jazz)

Markus & Snibbe, 2006Markus & Snibbe, 2006

Upper SES pref er music about individual f reedoms, identity (alternativeUpper SES pref er music about individual f reedoms, identity (alternativerock)rock)

Lower SES pref er music that prof iles struggles of lif eLower SES pref er music that prof iles struggles of lif e

Narratives in other art f ormsNarratives in other art f orms



Fiction: OatleyFiction: Oatley Fiction simulates our own experience in empathic leapFiction simulates our own experience in empathic leap

of imaginationof imagination

Dance: Hejmadi, Rozin, DavidsonDance: Hejmadi, Rozin, Davidson Natyshastra: movements of dance communicateNatyshastra: movements of dance communicate

emotion in narrativeemotion in narrative

Art Art Color and semanticsColor and semantics

Pennebakers writing paradigmPennebakers writing paradigm



Initial interest in power of conf essionInitial interest in power of conf ession

Write about strongest emotions of trauma, Write about strongest emotions of trauma, or the f acts of the event or the f acts of the event

Traumas studied: bereavement , divorce, Traumas studied: bereavement , divorce, holocaust survivors, 9holocaust survivors, 9--11 victims11 victims

Eff ects: increased wellEff ects: increased well--being, enhanced being, enhanced

immune f unction, reduced visits to healthimmune f unction, reduced visits to healthcenter, reductions in anxiety, depressioncenter, reductions in anxiety, depression

Other narrative f indingsOther narrative f indings



Markus: more possible selves, less likelyMarkus: more possible selves, less likelyexperiences of depressionexperiences of depression

Mc Adams (2008): more vivid and Mc Adams (2008): more vivid and engaging narratives predict increased engaging narratives predict increased wellwell--being as people agebeing as people age

Laura KingLaura King

Functions of NarrativeFunctions of Narrative



Insight , what does it do?Insight , what does it do? 1. Reduced suppression1. Reduced suppression Gross, JohnGross, John Suppression leads toSuppression leads to Greater SANS activityGreater SANS activity Frustration, SANS activity in othersFrustration, SANS activity in others Memory def icitsMemory def icits

Reduced satisf actionReduced satisf action 2. Catharsis: insight 2. Catharsis: insight Expressing negative f eelings: coherenceExpressing negative f eelings: coherence a. more negative words than positive wordsa. more negative words than positive words b. evolved f rom f ewer to more cognitive wordsb. evolved f rom f ewer to more cognitive words c. increased psychological coherence: f ewer unique wordsc. increased psychological coherence: f ewer unique words d. increased acceptance, organizationd. increased acceptance, organization 3. Reduced intentional object: reduces f ree f loating anxiety, distress3. Reduced intentional object: reduces f ree f loating anxiety, distress

4. Reduces uncertainty, increases control (Wilson & Gilbert , 2008)4. Reduces uncertainty, increases control (Wilson & Gilbert , 2008) 5. Social sharing (Rime)5. Social sharing (Rime) Social support Social support 6. The pleasures of aesthetic distance ( Aristotle: Catharsis)6. The pleasures of aesthetic distance ( Aristotle: Catharsis)

Ref lection on play: Your playRef lection on play: Your playhistory, narrative (Brown, 2009)history, narrative (Brown, 2009)



Think back to earliest experiences of play.Think back to earliest experiences of play.What were they?What were they?

Are you as f ree as you d like to play Are you as f ree as you d like to playtoday?today?

What is Play?What is Play?



Peek a boo, rough and tumble, games, Peek a boo, rough and tumble, games, sociodramatic play, word play, imitations, sociodramatic play, word play, imitations, interspecies playinterspecies play

Criteria (Stuart Brown, 2009)Criteria (Stuart Brown, 2009)

Apparently purposeless Apparently purposeless Voluntary Voluntary Inherent attractionInherent attraction Freedom f rom timeFreedom f rom time Diminished consciousness of self Diminished consciousness of self ImprovisationalImprovisational Desire to continueDesire to continue

Play: The saf e arena thesisPlay: The saf e arena thesis



A. Boundaries: A. Boundaries: Rough and Tumble Play: learn boundaries bet weenRough and Tumble Play: learn boundaries bet ween

pleasure, pain, harmpleasure, pain, harm

Marc Bekoff : coyotes in rough and tumble learn how not Marc Bekoff : coyotes in rough and tumble learn how not

to bite, learn hierarchiesto bite, learn hierarchies

Flirtation: learn boundary bet ween f riend, intimateFlirtation: learn boundary bet ween f riend, intimate

Play FunctionsPlay Functions



SkillsSkills

Playf ul imitationPlayf ul imitation

Play kissing of prePlay kissing of pre--adolescentsadolescents

Boys playing cavemen, girls playing with dolls:Boys playing cavemen, girls playing with dolls: hunting, carehunting, care--takingtaking

Play f unctions:Play f unctions:



Identity:Identity:

sociodramatic play (3 years)sociodramatic play (3 years)

Barrie Thorne studied lunchtime play of Barrie Thorne studied lunchtime play of

middle school girls: gender play to take on, middle school girls: gender play to take on, try out sexual identitiestry out sexual identities

Adolescents play at adults Adolescents play at adults

Play f unctionsPlay f unctions



KnowledgeKnowledge

Playing with liquids, sand: understand Playing with liquids, sand: understand substance, materials, conservationsubstance, materials, conservation

Play Functions: EmpathyPlay Functions: Empathy



Theory of mind in pretend play (Leslie)Theory of mind in pretend play (Leslie)

Abuse of language in pretend play Abuse of language in pretend play Object substitution: banana = phoneObject substitution: banana = phone

Attribution of non Attribution of non--literal properties: glasses have diamondsliteral properties: glasses have diamonds

Imaginary objectsImaginary objects

Abuse f rees children f rom egocentrism, paves way f or Abuse f rees children f rom egocentrism, paves way f ortheory of mind, diff erent perspectives, empathytheory of mind, diff erent perspectives, empathy

A language of laughter A language of laughter



Preuschof t , Van Hooff : pant hoots inPreuschof t , Van Hooff : pant hoots inprimatesprimates

Provine: Laughter punctuates speechProvine: Laughter punctuates speech

Bachorowski: hisses, snorts, guff aws, Bachorowski: hisses, snorts, guff aws, cackles, gruntscackles, grunts

33--4 bursts per laugh4 bursts per laugh

Voiced laughs involve vocal f olds Voiced laughs involve vocal f olds Dominant , submissive laughsDominant , submissive laughs

The acoustics, physiology of The acoustics, physiology of laughterlaughter



Own space in acoustic structureOwn space in acoustic structure(Bachorowski)(Bachorowski)

Predates languagePredates language

CNS correlates in brain stem, pons (whichCNS correlates in brain stem, pons (whichregulations breathing)regulations breathing)

Laughter = humor?Laughter = humor?



ProvineProvine

Laughter gatherers in dorms, mallsLaughter gatherers in dorms, malls

About 20% of laughs f ollow jokes, humor About 20% of laughs f ollow jokes, humor

Most do not Most do not

Laughter = cooperation?Laughter = cooperation?(Bachorowski, Owren)(Bachorowski, Owren)



Laughter has a unique idiosyncraticLaughter has a unique idiosyncraticacoustic signatureacoustic signature

It signals imminent rewards, sign of It signals imminent rewards, sign of cooperationcooperation

Friends engage in antiphonal laughterFriends engage in antiphonal laughter(Smoski & Bachorowski)(Smoski & Bachorowski)

Laughter =Laughter = La p et i te vac at ion) La p et i te vac at ion)



Laughter si gn alsLaughter si gn als

susp en sion of serio ussusp en sion of serio us

Meanin gMeanin g

Laughter and exhalat ion ;Laughter and exhalat ion ;

shif t t o P ANSshif t t o P ANS

Mean s of man agin g conf lic t Mean s of man agin g conf lic t

Laughter and health (Martin &Laughter and health (Martin &Lef court)Lef court)



Reduction of cardiovascular stressReduction of cardiovascular stress

Quicker return to cardiovascular baselineQuicker return to cardiovascular baselineduring stressduring stress

Laughter cascades benef it marriageLaughter cascades benef it marriage(Gottman, 2003)(Gottman, 2003)

Martin, Lef court: sense of humor benef itsMartin, Lef court: sense of humor benef itshealthhealth

Laughter and stressf ul traumaLaughter and stressf ul trauma(Bonanno & Keltner, 1995)(Bonanno & Keltner, 1995)

B tB t



Bereavement Bereavement Studied 45 adults 6 months bereavedStudied 45 adults 6 months bereaved Simple narrative: tell me about your relationship withSimple narrative: tell me about your relationship with

your deceased spouseyour deceased spouse

Coded emotion with F ACSCoded emotion with F ACS Griefwork hypothesisGriefwork hypothesis Lots o f anger a sign of eff ective grievingLots of anger a sign of eff ective grieving Positive emotion sign of denial, maladaptive grievingPositive emotion sign of denial, maladaptive grieving

Our f indings: more laughter, better f unctioning t wo years laterOur f indings: more laughter, better f unctioning t wo years later

More anger: worse f unctioningMore anger: worse f unctioning Laughter: physiological arousal not distressing, more perspectiveLaughter: physiological arousal not distressing, more perspective

Humor and teasing (a linguisticHumor and teasing (a linguisticanalysis)analysis)

TeasingTeasing



TeasingTeasing Playf ul provocation + off record markersPlayf ul provocation + off record markers

LinguisticLinguistic PrinciplePrinciple CriterionCriterion Violations Violations _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________

QualityQuality TruthTruth Exaggeration, f antastical descriptionExaggeration, f antastical description

QuantityQuantity Inf ormativenessInf ormativeness Redundancy, repetition, excessive brevityRedundancy, repetition, excessive brevity

RelationRelation RelevanceRelevance DigressionDigression MannerManner ClarityClarity Vagueness, obliqueness, metaphor Vagueness, obliqueness, metaphor

____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________

The dozens ( Abrahams, 1963)The dozens ( Abrahams, 1963)

D t t k b t th ll k dD t t k b t th ll k d



Dont take about my mother cause youll make me mad.Dont take about my mother cause youll make me mad.

Dont f orget how many your mother had.Dont f orget how many your mother had.

She didnt have one, she didnt have t wo,She didnt have one, she didnt have t wo,

She had eighty motherf uckers look just like you.She had eighty motherf uckers look just like you.

I f ucked your mother in a bowl of rice.I f ucked your mother in a bowl of rice.

Two children jumped out shootin dice.Two children jumped out shootin dice.

One shot seven and one shot eleven.One shot seven and one shot eleven.

God damn, them children aint goin to heaven.God damn, them children aint goin to heaven.

NicknamesNicknames

The Lousiville LipThe Lousiville Lip Muhammad AliMuhammad Ali



The Lousiville LipThe Lousiville Lip Muhammad AliMuhammad Ali The Brown BomberThe Brown Bomber Joe LouisJoe Louis No MasNo Mas Roberto DuranRoberto Duran The Ambling AlpThe Ambling Alp Primo CarneraPrimo Carnera Raging BullRaging Bull Jake LaMottaJake LaMotta The Bald EagleThe Bald Eagle Y. A. Tittle Y. A. Tittle Big AristotleBig Aristotle Shaquille ONealShaquille ONeal The Black HoleThe Black Hole Kevin McHaleKevin McHale The Golden BearThe Golden Bear Jack NicklausJack Nicklaus Grandma maGrandma ma Larry JohnsonLarry Johnson Ice BorgIce Borg B jorn BorgB jorn Borg Jelly BeanJelly Bean Joe Bryant Joe Bryant

Little Miss Poker FaceLittle Miss Poker Face Chris Evert Chris Evert MusclesMuscles Ken RosewallKen Rosewall Mr. EdMr. Ed John ElwayJohn Elway Puff NutsPuff Nuts Jaromir JagrJaromir Jagr The Raging PotatoThe Raging Potato Keith Wood, Irish RugbyKeith Wood, Irish Rugby The Ref rigeratorThe Ref rigerator William PerryWilliam Perry The Round Mound of ReboundThe Round Mound of Rebound Charles BarkleyCharles Barkley The Spanish FlyThe Spanish Fly Pau GasolPau Gasol SpudSpud Anthony Webb Anthony Webb Bush 43, Dubya, The Shrub , Uncurious GeorgeBush 43, Dubya, The Shrub , Uncurious George George W. BushGeorge W. Bush The Comeback Kid, The f irst black president , slick WillieThe Comeback Kid, The f irst black president , slick Willie Bill ClintonBill Clinton Tricky Dick, Iron Butt , The Mad MonkTricky Dick, Iron Butt , The Mad Monk Richard NixonRichard Nixon

The Old Fox, The Farmer President The Old Fox, The Farmer President George WashingtonGeorge Washington Bonny Johnny, Your Superf luous excellency, His rotundityBonny Johnny, Your Superf luous excellency, His rotundity John AdamsJohn Adams Honest Abe, The Illinois Ape, The Great EmancipatorHonest Abe, The Illinois Ape, The Great Emancipator Abraham Lincoln Abraham Lincoln

Teasing and love:Teasing and love: Much Ado About Much Ado About

Noth ingNoth ing

BenedickBenedick And I pray thee now tell me for which of my badAnd I pray thee now tell me for which of my bad



BenedickBenedick And, I pray th ee now t ell me, f or wh ich of my bad And, I pray th ee now t ell me, f or wh ich of my bad part s didst th ou f irst f all in love with me?part s didst th ou f irst f all in love with me?

Beat ric eBeat ric e For th em all t ogeth er, wh ich maint ain d so polit ic aFor th em all t ogeth er, wh ich maint ain d so polit ic ast at e of evil th at th ey will not admit any good part t o int erminglest at e of evil th at th ey will not admit any good part t o int erminglewith th em. But f or wh ich of my good part s did you f irst suff er lovewith th em. But f or wh ich of my good part s did you f irst suff er lovef or me?f or me?

BenedickBenedick Suff er love! A good epith et ! I do suff er love indeed, f orSuff er love! A good epith et ! I do suff er love indeed, f orI love th ee against my will.I love th ee against my will.

Beat ric eBeat ric e In spit e of you r h eart, I th ink. Alas, poor h eart, if you In spit e of you r h eart, I th ink. Alas, poor h eart, if you spit e it f or my sake, I will spit e it f or you rs, f or I will never love th at spit e it f or my sake, I will spit e it f or you rs, f or I will never love th at wh ich my f riend h at es.wh ich my f riend h at es.

BenedickBenedick Th ou and I are t oo wise t o woo peac eably.Th ou and I are t oo wise t o woo peac eably.



Teasing in f lirtationTeasing in f lirtation

Happier couples have more nicknamesHappier couples have more nicknamesabout each otherabout each other

Metaphors: animals, f ood objectsMetaphors: animals, f ood objects

Happier couples resort to humor, teasing toHappier couples resort to humor, teasing tonegotiate conf lictsnegotiate conf licts

Teasing and hierarchies:Teasing and hierarchies:Nicknames and statusNicknames and status



0.

0.

- .

0.

- .

-

-0.

0

0.

w P w r

T s r

Hi P w r

T s r

H

i l i y

T a s i n g

Low Pow r T rg t

High Pow r T rg t

The f ool (jokester, trickster, The f ool (jokester, trickster, satirist)satirist)

i l f Chi i i li l f Chi i i l



Human universal: f rom China to originalHuman universal: f rom China to originalpeoplespeoples

Pervasive in earlier culturePervasive in earlier culture

Political power, advisingPolitical power, advising

Mocked every public event Mocked every public event

Embodied a rhetoric of absurdityEmbodied a rhetoric of absurdity

The absurd (Nagel)The absurd (Nagel)

S i h i i ifi f hiS i h i i ifi f hi



Seeing the insignif icance of thingsSeeing the insignif icance of things

WorkWork

P t t di t f h i (A l M )P t t di t f h i (A l M )



Potent predictor of happiness ( Argyle, Myers)Potent predictor of happiness ( Argyle, Myers)

Loss of work common cause of depressionLoss of work common cause of depression

A caveat: Americans are working harder than A caveat: Americans are working harder than

ever bef ore (167 hours more than previousever bef ore (167 hours more than previousgeneration), and harder than individuals f romgeneration), and harder than individuals f romother industrialized nationsother industrialized nations

Wolf ord: a bit more leisure time boostsWolf ord: a bit more leisure time boosts

happinesshappiness

Meaningf ul workMeaningf ul work

Positive organization Network (Michigan)Positive organization Network (Michigan)



Positive organization Net work (Michigan)Positive organization Net work (Michigan) Meaningf ul work, deeper purpose, greater good are keyMeaningf ul work, deeper purpose, greater good are key

Signature strengths (Peterson, Seligman)Signature strengths (Peterson, Seligman) Matching Strengths (Peterson)Matching Strengths (Peterson)

Universal, paragons, early prodigiesUniversal, paragons, early prodigies

Wisdom: creativity, learningWisdom: creativity, learning Courage: Bravery, authenticityCourage: Bravery, authenticity Humanity: Kindness, loveHumanity: Kindness, love Justice: f airness, leadershipJustice: f airness, leadership Temperance: Modesty, prudenceTemperance: Modesty, prudence Transcendence: gratitude, spiritualityTranscendence: gratitude, spirituality

People who f ind deeper purpose in work most satisf iedPeople who f ind deeper purpose in work most satisf ied

Flow and Optimal experienceFlow and Optimal experience(Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi)(Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi)

Balance between Skills challenges in goalBalance between Skills challenges in goal



Balance bet ween Skills, challenges in goalBalance bet ween Skills, challenges in goaldirected, rule bound system with clear f eedbackdirected, rule bound system with clear f eedback

Studies of artists, dancers, poets, people inStudies of artists, dancers, poets, people inorganizationsorganizations

Intense concentrationIntense concentration No worries, no ruminationNo worries, no rumination Time disoriented, expandsTime disoriented, expands Self consciousness disappearsSelf consciousness disappears Little concern f or rewardsLittle concern f or rewards

Intrinsic motivation (Lepper, Deci)Intrinsic motivation (Lepper, Deci)

CultivationCultivation

Th t f th B ddh (KTh t f th B ddh (K



The story of the Buddha (KarenThe story of the Buddha (Karen Armstrong) Armstrong)

Several year quest af ter leaving bourgeois lif eSeveral year quest af ter leaving bourgeois lif e

Disillusioned with material pursuitsDisillusioned with material pursuits

Suff ering = attachmentsSuff ering = attachments

Eight f old path to enlightenment (likeEight f old path to enlightenment (like

Lyubomirskys skills)Lyubomirskys skills) Right mind, action, emotionRight mind, action, emotion

A bit of review A bit of review

C lti ti t l ti hiC lti ti t l ti hi



Cultivating strong relationshipsCultivating strong relationships

3 positive emotions f or every negative one3 positive emotions f or every negative one

Reducing stress, HP A Axis activationReducing stress, HP A Axis activation

Cultivating right mindCultivating right mind

Optimism hopeOptimism hope



Optimism, hopeOptimism, hope Circ ulationCirc ulation (2009): study of 100, 000 Dut c h(2009): study of 100, 000 Dut c h

womenwomen

Optimistic women lower blood pressure, Optimistic women lower blood pressure, c holesterolc holesterol

Optimistic women 9% lower risk of heart disease, Optimistic women 9% lower risk of heart disease, 16% lower risk of dying at 816% lower risk of dying at 8--year f ollowyear f ollow--upup

Apprec iative Apprec iative

Self c ompassionSelf c ompassion

A Legacy of Cynicism A Legacy of Cynicism

FRE UDIAN MIND: T h e ver y emph asis of th e commandment: T h ou sh alt not kill , makes it cert ainFRE U DIAN MIND: T h e ver y emph asis of th e commandment: T h ou sh alt not kill , makes it cert ainth t d d d f dl l l h i f ti f d h l fth t d d d f dl l l h i f ti f d h l f



th at we ar e descended fr om an end l essl y l ong ch ain of gener at ions of mur der er s, w h ose l ove of th at we ar e descended fr om an end l essl y l ong ch ain of gener at ions of mur der er s, w h ose l ove of mur der was in th eir b l ood as it is p erh ap s al so in our smur der was in th eir b l ood as it is p erh ap s al so in our s. Sigmu nd Fr eu d . Sigmu nd Fr eu d

LI B ER T ARIANISM: If any civil izat ion is t o sur vive, it is th e mor al it y of altru ism th at men h ave t oLI B ER T ARIANISM: If any civil izat ion is t o sur vive, it is th e mor al it y of altru ism th at men h ave t or eject .r eject . Ayn R and Ayn R and

POLI T ICAL TH E O RY: O f mankind we may say in gener al th ey ar e f ick l e, h yp ocr it ical , and gr eedyPOLI T ICAL TH E O RY: O f mankind we may say in gener al th ey ar e f ick l e, h yp ocr it ical , and gr eedyof gainof gain.. M ach iavell iM ach iavell i

EV OLU T I O NARY SU RVIVAL OF TH E FI TT EST : T h e natur al worl d is gr ossl y immor al . N atur al EV OLU T I O NARY SU RVIVAL OF TH E FI TT EST : T h e natur al worl d is gr ossl y immor al . N atur al sel ect ion can h onestl y be descr ibed as a pr ocess f or maximizing sh ort sight ed self ish nesssel ect ion can h onestl y be descr ibed as a pr ocess f or maximizing sh ort sight ed self ish ness Geor ge Will iamsGeor ge Will iams

M O RAL TH E O RY: Symp ath y as a good natur ed emot ion is al ways b l ind and weak M O RAL TH E O RY: Symp ath y as a good natur ed emot ion is al ways b l ind and weak. I mmanu el . I mmanu el Kant Kant

BlameBlame

Buddhism: focus on intention of act not personBuddhism: focus on intention of act not person



Buddhism: f ocus on intention of act , not personBuddhism: f ocus on intention of act , not person

Blame related to punitive tendencies, revengeBlame related to punitive tendencies, revenge(Rudolphs, et al., 2004)(Rudolphs, et al., 2004)

Bradbury Fincham (2003)Bradbury Fincham (2003) Blame in romantic couples assessed throughBlame in romantic couples assessed through Self report Self report

NarrativesNarratives

On line conversationsOn line conversations

Blame related to dissatisf action, divorceBlame related to dissatisf action, divorce

Right bodyRight body



Exercise, Yoga, SportsExercise, Yoga, Sports(Lyubomirsky, 2009)(Lyubomirsky, 2009)

EndorphinsEndorphins



EndorphinsEndorphins

BreathingBreathing

CatharsisCatharsis

Social Contact Social Contact

Right actionRight action

Play laugh express gratitude politenessPlay laugh express gratitude politeness



Play, laugh, express gratitude, politeness, Play, laugh, express gratitude, politeness, meditationmeditation

Functions of TouchFunctions of Touch

RewardReward



RewardReward

Reinf orce ReciprocityReinf orce Reciprocity

Signal Saf etySignal Saf ety

SootheSoothe

PowerPower

A Language of Touch (Eibl A Language of Touch (Eibl--Eibesf eldt , 1989)Eibesf eldt , 1989)

Evolution of handEvolution of hand



Evolution of handEvolution of hand

Evolution of skin (Jablonski)Evolution of skin (Jablonski)

Most developed sensory modality at birthMost developed sensory modality at birth

Attachment processes, soothing, Attachment processes, soothing, f riendship, f lirtation, sexualf riendship, f lirtation, sexual

Kraus: Basketball study: chest bumps, Kraus: Basketball study: chest bumps,

head slaps, f ist bumps, bum slaps predict head slaps, f ist bumps, bum slaps predict better perf ormance in NBA teamsbetter perf ormance in NBA teams

Were a touch deprived cultureWere a touch deprived culture



To ches of f ien s ing ave

conve sation Jo a , 1969)

0

50

100

150

200

London Flor ida Par is n Juan

N u m b e o

f t o u c h e s

Ser ies1

Touch and stressTouch and stress

Coan et al (2006): anticipated stress, married womenCoan et al (2006): anticipated stress, married women



Coan et al (2006): anticipated stress, married womenCoan et al (2006): anticipated stress, married womentouching hand of partner but not stranger show: thetouching hand of partner but not stranger show: theright anterior insula, superior f rontal gyrus, and right anterior insula, superior f rontal gyrus, and hypothalamushypothalamus

Frances & Meaney, 1999:Frances & Meaney, 1999: Rat moms 10Rat moms 10--20% of waking time in tactile contact with rat 20% of waking time in tactile contact with rat pups (licking, f ull body covers)pups (licking, f ull body covers)

Well handled pups: show less corticosterone in blood streamWell handled pups: show less corticosterone in blood streamwhen restrainedwhen restrained

Less interconnectivity in stress related regions of brainLess interconnectivity in stress related regions of brain

a year later, enhanced immune f unctiona year later, enhanced immune f unction

Touch and healthTouch and health

Touching story in nursing home: An instinct toTouching story in nursing home: An instinct to



Touching story in nursing home: An instinct toTouching story in nursing home: An instinct toembraceembrace

Tiff any FieldTiff any Field In orphanages with touch, children lived longerIn orphanages with touch, children lived longer

Touch reduces symptoms of ADHD, depression inTouch reduces symptoms of ADHD, depression inteen mothers, asthma and diabetesteen mothers, asthma and diabetes Heel lance procedure: inf ants who were held cried Heel lance procedure: inf ants who were held cried

82% less, grimaced 65% less, lower heart rate82% less, grimaced 65% less, lower heart rate Touch therapies in hospitalsTouch therapies in hospitals

47% weight gain in premature inf ants47% weight gain in premature inf ants Reductions in depression of Alzheimers patientsReductions in depression of Alzheimers patients

Touch and attachment Touch and attachment

Rebecca Turner: 10 minutes of SwedishRebecca Turner: 10 minutes of Swedish



Rebecca Turner: 10 minutes of SwedishRebecca Turner: 10 minutes of SwedishMassage leads to oxytocin releaseMassage leads to oxytocin release

Touch and vagus nerve responseTouch and vagus nerve response

Parents who have lots of skin to skinParents who have lots of skin to skincontact carried in baby bjorns have morecontact carried in baby bjorns have moresecurely attached childrensecurely attached children

SmileSmile

KourosKouros



KourosKouros

The evolution of the smileThe evolution of the smile

Darwins mistakeDarwins mistake



Darwin s mistakeDarwin s mistake

Smile f irst stage of laughterSmile f irst stage of laughter

Preuschof t , van Hooff Preuschof t , van Hooff

Silent bared teeth vs. relaxed op en mouthSilent bared teeth vs. relaxed op en mouthdisp lay sdisp lay s

Smile, equality, and happinessSmile, equality, and happiness

Smile in egalitarian primates used as toolSmile in egalitarian primates used as tool



Smile in egalitarian primates used as toolSmile in egalitarian primates used as toolof f riendshipof f riendship

Human evidenceHuman evidence

Duchenne smileDuchenne smile

Lef t f rontal lobe activationLef t f rontal lobe activation

Increased happinessIncreased happiness

Evokes happiness, trust in othersEvokes happiness, trust in others

Emotional attunement , intelligenceEmotional attunement , intelligence(Daniel Goleman)(Daniel Goleman)

Intelligent encodingIntelligent encoding



g gg g Intelligent decodingIntelligent decoding Intelligent insight into own emotionsIntelligent insight into own emotions Intelligent management of emotionsIntelligent management of emotions

Emotional intelligence the best predictor of wellEmotional intelligence the best predictor of well--being, health, perf ormancebeing, health, perf ormance Friends who mirror one anothers emotions areFriends who mirror one anothers emotions are

happierhappier Leaders who are emotionally intelligent f areLeaders who are emotionally intelligent f are

betterbetter

IM AGINEIM AGINET h e gr eat s ecr et o f morals is lo ve, or a

going out o f our o w n natur e, an d an id tifi ti f l ith th



i denti f ication o f ours el ves w ith th ebeauti f ul w hich exists in thought , action or p erson , not our o w n . A man , to be gr eatly goo d, must imagin e int ens ely an d compr eh ensi vely ; h e must put hims el f in

th e plac e o f anoth er an d o f many oth ers ;th e pains an d pl easur es o f his sp eci es must becom e his o w n . T h e gr eat instrum ent o f moral goo d is th e imagination (Sh ell ey ).

NarrativeNarrative



The big insightsThe big insights

Happiness is many thingsHappiness is many thingsPl ti t itPl ti t it



Pleasure, emotion, traitsPleasure, emotion, traits East (contentedness), West (excitement)East (contentedness), West (excitement) Individual variation (compassion, pride, sensory pleasure)Individual variation (compassion, pride, sensory pleasure)

Happiness is a set of skillsHappiness is a set of skills

Happiness is emotion balanceHappiness is emotion balance Happiness bet weenHappiness bet ween Happiness is workHappiness is work Happiness is training the mind (optimism, appreciation, nonHappiness is training the mind (optimism, appreciation, non

materialism)materialism)

Happiness is calming down f rom stress (exercise, meditation, Happiness is calming down f rom stress (exercise, meditation, sports)sports) Happiness is a narrative we tellHappiness is a narrative we tell

US Culture?US Culture?

American Paradox (Myers 2001)American Paradox (Myers 2001)



American Paradox (Myers, 2001) American Paradox (Myers, 2001)

Despite some economic expansion, happinessDespite some economic expansion, happinesshasnt risenhasnt risen

Compared to many cultures, were not f aringCompared to many cultures, were not f aringas wellas well

Some ChallengesSome Challenges

Our busy cultureOur busy culture 60

70

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Videogames, new Videogames, new

media (Bushman, media (Bushman, Anderson) Anderson)

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

Late On time

% w

h o

h e

¥

p e d s

¥

u m p e d o v e r

Breakdown in social f abricBreakdown in social f abric

Bowling alone (Putnam)Bowling alone (Putnam)



Bowling alone (Putnam)Bowling alone (Putnam)

Rise in ideology of self Rise in ideology of self --interest interest

Precipitous rise in narcissism, culture ofPrecipitous rise in narcissism, culture of



Precipitous rise in narcissism, culture of Precipitous rise in narcissism, culture of self self --esteemesteem

Rise in valuing materialismRise in valuing materialism

InequalityInequality

Asymmetries in Asymmetries in



yywealthwealth

3

3 ¦ 2

3 ¦ 4

3 ¦ 6

3 ¦ 8

4

4 ¦ 2

4 ¦ 4

4 ¦ 6

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s Dis

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L i s

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Lis

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Lis e

er

A turning point in our culture: A turning point in our culture:Reasons f or OptimismReasons f or Optimism

Pinker: Rise of cooperationPinker: Rise of cooperation



pp

Drops in materialismDrops in materialism

Drop in murder ratesDrop in murder rates

Drop in prevalence of tortureDrop in prevalence of torture Drop in likelihood of dying during warDrop in likelihood of dying during war

Fewer warsFewer wars

human happiness 162

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