Don't Worry, Be Happy...

But you may not want too much happiness.

When it comes to being happy, a "perfect 10" is not so perfect after all.

Happiness is closely linked to many positive physical, social, and financial benefits. But there are some drawbacks for those who are blissfully off the charts in terms of happiness, according to a recent study authored by Ed Diener, LAS psychology professor.

The study, from the U of I, University of Virginia, and Michigan State University, examined data from the World Values Survey, a large-scale analysis of economic, social, political, and religious influence around the world. They also analyzed the behaviors and attitudes of 193 undergraduate students at Illinois.

In general, the happier you are, the more successful you are in the areas of money, employment, relationships, and health, Diener says.

"Happy people are more likely than unhappy people to get married, are more likely to stay married, and are more likely to think their marriage is good," he explains. "They're more likely to volunteer, they're more likely to be rated highly by their supervisor, and they're more likely to make more money."

Happiness is good, up to a point, says U of I psychology professor Ed Diener. The very happiest people aren't necessarily the highest achievers. (Photo by L.Brian Stauffer.)
Happiness is good, up to a point, says U of I psychology professor Ed Diener. The very happiest people aren't necessarily the highest achievers. (Photo by L.Brian Stauffer.)

However, perfect happiness isn't perfect. The researchers found that people who ranked themselves as 10s on a 10-point life satisfaction scale did not have the highest levels of income, education, and political participation. In those areas, the 10s fell well below people who rated themselves an 8 or a 9.

One reason for this, the researchers theorize, is that profoundly happy people may be so content that they are less inclined to change their behavior or adjust to external changes, even when there is an advantage to doing so.

However, those who rated themselves as 10s did do the best in the social realm, engaging more in volunteer activities and maintaining more stable relationships.

The student study, in which students ranked themselves as unhappy, slightly happy, moderately happy, happy, or very happy, revealed a similar pattern. Students who ranked themselves as "very happy" did the best of all on social factors, such as gregariousness, close friendships, self-confidence, and time spent dating. But the happy group outperformed the very happy students in grade-point average, attendance, and conscientiousness.

All in all, Diener says, the evidence indicates that happiness is a worthy goal for those who lack it, but the endless pursuit of even more happiness for the already happy may be counterproductive.

"If you're worried about success in life, don't be a 1, 2, 3, or 4 on a 10-point scale," Diener says.

But if you're a 7 or 8, don't worry. Maybe you're happy enough.