The study across three countries led by the Department of Psychology’s Dr. Paul Hanel discovered people who prioritised achievement over enjoyment were less happy on the next day.
Whereas those who aimed for freedom said they had a 13% increase in well-being, recording better sleep quality and life satisfaction.
And participants who tried to relax and follow their hobbies recorded an average well-being boost of 8% and a 10% drop in stress and anxiety.
Dr. Hanel worked with colleagues at the University of Bath on the Journal of Personality-published study.
For the first time, it explored how following various values impacts our happiness.
The study –Value Fulfilment and Well-being: Clarifying Directions Over Time – examined more than 180 people in India, Turkey and the UK.
They filled in a diary across nine days and recorded how following different values affected them.
Interestingly all nationalities reported the same results with the following of ‘hedonism’ and ‘self-direction’ values leading to increased happiness.
‘Achievement’ and ‘conformity’ values had no impact on happiness whatsoever.
However, the researchers believe achievement could impact on happiness when linked to job satisfaction or the amount of days worked.
It is hoped the research will now influence mental health provision and therapeutic give to clients.
Dr. Hanel added: “Our research further shows that it might be more important to focus on increasing happiness rather than reducing anxiety and stress, which is of course also important, just not as much.”
The study was published in collaboration with Hamdullah Tunç, Divija Bhasin, and Dr. Lukas Litzellachner.
(AM/Newswise)
