Experimental Evidence (Well being and Health)

Question 1

Danner et al, 2001 - positive emotions

Answer 1

Longitudinal studies have confirmed the benefit of positive emotions for health and survival

Question 2

Diener and Chan, 2011 - happiness and health

Answer 2

Happier people live longer and subjective well-being contributes to health and longevity

Question 3

Davidson et al, 2003 - impact of relaxation

Answer 3

Mediation vs Control group compared after vaccine. Meditation group found to have significantly higher antibody response

Question 4

Steptoe at al, 2005 - Happiness and physiology

Answer 4

Happiness associated with lower cortisol, less inflammatory responses and healthy heart rate control

Question 5

Scottish Health Survey 2015 facts - well-being statistics

Answer 5

Overall mental well-being hasn’t changed since 2008; Male well-being highest at 65-74 and lowest at 25-34; Female well-being highest at 65-74 but lowest at 16-24.

1 in 6 adults has a possible psychiatric disorder, with women significantly more likely.