Happiness is one of the most elusive and sought-after emotions.
For centuries, philosophers, psychologists, and scientists have tried to unlock its secrets.
What makes us happy? Is it money, relationships, experiences, or something entirely different?
While happiness has long been considered subjective, a group of researchers has made a bold claim: happiness can be predicted with a mathematical equation.
A study conducted at University College London (UCL) has revealed that happiness is not just about what happens to us but also about how our experiences compare to those of others.
This research has led to the development of a happiness equation—a mathematical formula that predicts how happy someone will be based on their circumstances and their social environment.
More Than Just a Feeling
Science has already confirmed a few key aspects of happiness.
For example, we know that happiness is contagious—having happy friends nearby increases the likelihood of feeling happier yourself.
We also know that money plays a role, but only to a certain extent.
While financial stability contributes to well-being, excess wealth does not necessarily translate to greater happiness.
Additionally, research published in the journal Psychological Science suggests that spending money on experiences, rather than material goods, leads to more sustained happiness.
A thrilling vacation or an unforgettable concert often creates lasting joy, whereas a new gadget or designer handbag quickly loses its appeal.
But can all these findings be distilled into a single equation that predicts happiness? The team at UCL believes so.
The Happiness Formula: More Than Just Expectations
In 2014, UCL researchers developed an initial equation that suggested happiness is not determined by how well things are going but rather by how things compare to our expectations.
This means that a pleasant surprise can make us happier than a predictable success, while unmet expectations can lead to disappointment even when things aren’t necessarily bad.
However, their latest research, published in Nature Communications, takes this equation a step further.
It now incorporates social comparison—how our happiness is influenced by what happens to the people around us.
According to Dr. Robb Rutledge, a neuroscientist at UCL and lead researcher of the study, “Our equation can predict exactly how happy people will be based not only on what happens to them but also on what happens to the people around them.”
Why Comparison Matters
One of the most striking findings from this research is that inequality reduces happiness, regardless of whether someone is doing better or worse than others.
Through a series of experiments involving gambling and anonymous money-sharing tasks, the researchers uncovered a pattern:
- People who felt unhappy when they received more than others (suggesting feelings of guilt) were more likely to share their money, giving away about 30% of it.
- People who felt unhappy when they received less than others (suggesting envy) were less generous, giving away only 10%.
This suggests that generosity and social comparison are deeply linked to our happiness levels.
Some people naturally feel guilty when they have more than others, while others experience envy when they have less.
These emotional responses shape not just our well-being but also how we treat others.
Is More Happiness Always Better?
It seems logical that increasing happiness should be a universal goal. But what if too much happiness has a downside?
Psychologist Daniel Gilbert argues that extreme happiness can sometimes lead to risky behavior and poor decision-making.
When we are too happy, we may become overconfident, less critical, and more prone to ignoring potential dangers.
Additionally, neuroscientists have suggested that constant happiness may not be evolutionarily beneficial.
A certain level of dissatisfaction and struggle drives motivation, creativity, and progress.
If we were all perpetually happy, would we still strive to improve ourselves and our world?
Can We Hack Our Own Happiness?
Given these insights, is it possible to manipulate our own happiness using the findings of this research?
The answer is yes—at least to some extent.
Here are a few science-backed ways to boost happiness:
- Lower your expectations strategically. Instead of always aiming for the best possible outcome, allow room for pleasant surprises.
- Focus on experiences rather than possessions. Memories of joyful experiences tend to provide long-lasting happiness compared to material goods.
- Be mindful of social comparisons. While it’s natural to compare ourselves to others, it’s important to recognize that everyone’s journey is different.
- Practice generosity. Giving to others, whether through time, money, or kindness, has been shown to boost long-term happiness.
Can a Formula Really Predict Happiness?
The idea that happiness can be predicted with an equation is both fascinating and controversial.
While numbers can reveal patterns in human emotions, happiness remains deeply personal and influenced by a variety of unpredictable factors.
However, understanding the science behind happiness can empower us to make better choices that contribute to our well-being.
So, can happiness really be reduced to a mathematical formula? Maybe. But one thing remains certain—the pursuit of happiness will always be more of an art than an exact science.
