Showing papers on "Happiness published in 1974"

Does Economic Growth Improve the Human Lot? Some Empirical Evidence

Abstract: Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the association of income and happiness. The basic data consist of statements by individuals on their subjective happiness, as reported in thirty surveys from 1946 through 1970, covering nineteen countries, including eleven in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Within countries, there is a noticeable positive association between income and happiness—in every single survey, those in the highest status group were happier, on the average, than those in the lowest status group. However, whether any such positive association exists among countries at a given time is uncertain. Certainly, the happiness differences between rich and poor countries that one might expect on the basis of the within-country differences by economic status are not borne out by the international data. Similarly, in the one national time series studied, for the United States since 1946, higher income was not systematically accompanied by greater happiness. As for why national comparisons among countries and over time show an association between income and happiness that is so much weaker than, if not inconsistent with, that shown by within-country comparisons, a Duesenberry-type model, involving relative status considerations as an important determinant of happiness, is suggested.

Social network correlates of avowed happiness.

Abstract: Measures of five social network dimensions, developed on the basis of factor analysis, were given to a sample of Seattle area women. Significant correlations were obtained between the women's avowed happiness and the social network dimensions of assistance, value similarity, and concern. However, the pattern of correlations differed for married and unmarried women. As a possible explanation for this difference, it is suggested that the presence of a stable conjugal relationship may make assistance and concern less problematic for a person, while making value similarity more problematic. It is pointed out that development of detailed knowledge regarding relationships between social network properties and psychological characteristics offers considerable benefits for psychotherapy—particularly those therapies which attempt to aid a distressed person by helping him to restructure his social network. Additional research of a longitudinal nature is needed in order to elucidate the precise nature of social network—psychological state relationships.

Preorgasmic group treatment

Abstract: An analysis of 17 women participating in a group treatment program for preorgasmic women showed 100 percent success in attainment of orgasm through masturbation within the five-week treatment program. Over 87 percent of the women were capable of orgasm in partner-related activities within eight months posttreatment. In addition, the women showed increased enjoyment of coitus and sexual satisfaction and reported improvement of life in general, sex, communication with their partner, and overall level of happiness and relaxation. Some attitudes toward traditional roles, interest in politics, and a number of body acceptance scale items changed significantly. Increased happiness in the relationship correlated with increased importance of sex, enjoyment of sex, and sexual responsivity.

Marital Power and Marital Happiness in Relation to Problem-Solving Ability.

Abstract: Data on intrafamily power relations, obtained by observing the interaction of husband-wife-child groups during a laboratory problem-solving session, are related to ratings of marital happiness. Families above the median in husband-to-wife power tend to be high in marital happiness, but no difference in marital happiness was found when families with lowand high-power wives were compared. High parent-tochild power was associated with high marital happiness, but high child-to-parent power was associated with low marital happiness. The findings are interpreted as reflecting stresses which occur as the power structure of the family changes from its present hierarchicalform to a more equalitarian form. However, since low husband power was fbound to be associated with low problem-solving ability, part of the low happiness ratings of families with low-power husbands probably reflects dissatisfaction with the low competence rather than the low power of the husband.

Between belief and unbelief

Abstract: The uniqueness of this book lies in its dynamic analysis of belief and unbelief as closely related in terms of the functions they perform in psychic life. Dr. Pruyser is a clinical psychologist, Harry March Pfeiffer Professor at the Menninger Foundation, one of the coauthors of The Vital Balance ( I ), and author of A Dynamic Psychology ofReligion (2). Dr. Pruysen undertook this book to deal with “the contemponary phenomena of secularization, disaffiliation from religion and religious institutions, disbelief, and unbelief” (p. xii), which he had not analyzed in his previous writings. The discussion focuses as much on belief as on unbelief, however, because Pruysen sees an increase in interest in transcendental experiences, charismatic movements, and folk religion in recent years as well as a more long-term process of secularization and decline in beliefand commitment. The thesis of the book is that both belief and unbelief are to be understood in terms of man’s pursuit of happiness. This punsuit is seen in dialectical relation with tension. Pruyser states, “The life worth living and examining is a life lived in tension, . . . tensions are a perennial feature of the human condition” (p. xvii). This tension is demanding on the mind as well as on the feelings. Pnuyser’s position on this subject has kinship with Freud’s pleasure-reality principles, especially if more attention is given the ego. However, the range of fields of knowledge from which Pruyser draws is greater than Freud used. Pruyser also analyzes the dynamics of unbelief as well as belief as rigorously as Freud discussed the latter. Although beliefs of a religious kind, along with corresponding unbeliefs, are central to this book, Pruyser also considers other kinds of belief and unbelief. Among the topics specifically analyzed are alienation, dependency, autonomy, mystery, options, Providence, fantasy, and the various meanings of reality. Object relations theory is used to suggest that both beliefs and unbeliefs may be either love objects or hate objects. Since he has worked in a psychiatric setting for a quarter century, Pruyser’s judgment that many psychiatrists and their colleagues feel uncomfortable in assessing the religious beliefs of their patients suggests the special value of this book for mental health professionals. There is no better way to feel more at home in any kind of appraisal than to understand the dynamics behind outward appearance. Despite his compressed but readable discussion of ontological bases of belief or unbelief, Pruysen has no quarrel with the need to take a nonphilosophical view of the world in clinical practice. However, he implies that even psychiatrists may permit clinical pragmatic necessity to produce what is widespread throughout our society, namely, a view of reality that is too dull and too flat. The author’s style has admirable clarity, but the depth and complexity of his analyses are such that even speed-reading psychiatrists are likely to have to slow down. The process is very much worth the effort. Even as a theologian who has also studied psychiatry and psychology for many years, I found that this book often revealed gems of insight that had not occurred to me. I have only two criticisms of this work, and they may be mattens of choice. The first is Pruyser’s decision not to use a developmental schema to deal with his topic. Although he justifies his approach very well, more attention to developmental stages would have increased the book’s value for clinicians. The seeond critique is not of the way some topics are analyzed, but of the way the questions are asked. I would differ, for example, on the way the question of Providence is posed. However, any such critiques may simply be differences in perspective between a psychologist knowledgeable about reli-

Waiting for the party;: The life of Frances Hodgson Burnett, 1849-1924

Abstract: Most people have heard of "Little Lord Fauntleroy" and "The Secret Garden", but many of them are unaware that the same woman wrote both books, 25 years apart, and was considered one of the leading writers in America. Exposed to the extremes of poverty and wealth, she survived two broken marriages and the death of a son. On the surface her life was extremely successful, but happiness eluded her. This book looks at her life and work.

Work Orientation, Meaning of Leisure and Mental Health

Abstract: This paper is focused on the subjective meanings attached to leisure activities. The interest, then, is on the affective or attitudinal level rather than overt leisure behavior forms. This paper's ...

Is there an innate need for children

Abstract: It is commonly assumed that we have an innate need for children, in particular, that women have a 'mother instinct'. This belief lives in the general public as well as among scientists. In this paper that theory is criticized on two grounds: Firstly, it is argued that the theory is implausible. One reason is that the innate need for sex is biologically sufficient to ensure procreation. Another is that in humans innate motivational tendencies are typically not specific. Contrary to most animals we have no 'instincts'. Human motivation is rather geared by broad 'needs'. The need for social contact can explain procreation behavior equally well. Secondly it is shown that that the theory does not fit reality. They're too many voluntary childless people to maintain that the need for children is universal and there is no indication of adverse consequences. A comparison of Dutch couples with and without children shows more rather than less wellbeing among the childless. The childless feel somewhat more happy and healthy, and report slightly less psychosomatic complaints. This pattern appears among males as well as among females, and is most pronounced in the age-categories 25 to 45.

The value of children in Asia and the United States: comparative perspectives.

Abstract: This comparative study of the positive values versus costs of childr en as seen by parents was carried out in Japan the Republic of Korea Taiwan the Philippines Thailand and Hawaii (United States). About 360 respondents were selected in each country except for Hawaii; there 557 were chosen to compare Caucasian Japanese and Filipino ethnic groups. A surprising number of cross-cultural similarities were found and both husbands and wives shared a similar orientation. For this reason answers are grouped by socioeconomic level the most significant variable. In the urban middle-class psychological and emotional values are emphasized including happiness for the family a feeling of personal growth and the companionship provided by children. In Korea and Taiwan continuity of family name emerges as the most important social value while respondents in other countries claimed it was "natural" to have children. Daughters are wanted mainly for companionship to the mother while sons are wanted for continuation of the family name everywhere but in Japan. Reasons for wanting additional children are mainly psychological not economic. Urban lower-class respondents stress psychological benefits but there is increased economic motivation and stronger emphasis on continuance of family name. Rural groups put economic considerations 1st both current economic contributions and security in the parents old age. In Japan Korea and Taiwan pride in childrens accomplishments are also important to rural parents. Financial costs and the emotional strain are important negative values to the middle class in all countries. Lower-class parents are more concerned about financial costs while rural parents are extremely concerned about financial costs and the greater physical labor children entail. Pregerence for sex and desire for a balance of sexes is important to family size decisions. Desire for sons seems strongest in Taiwan and Korea. The Philippines differs substantially from the other countries: perceived economic benefits are higher and spread across all socioeconomic groups there is more emphasis on emotional gratification and costs are seen as lower. Family planning programs should make parents more aware of the costs of raising children and emphasize the positive emotional benefits and the higher quality of children in small families. 17 tables summarize the results.

Structure of body-build stereotypes: a methodological analysis.

Abstract: College students (N = 182) were Ss in a study assessing the comparability of body build stereotypes as depicted through the use of various response formats. Stereotypes toward Endomorph and Mesomor...

Reason and Happiness

Abstract: Are moral judgements objective? This is a question of great complexity, and in what follows I shall try to cast some light on what it means, and on how it might be answered.

Indices of Consumer and Citizen Satisfaction: Measures of the Performance of the Market and Public Economy

Abstract: This paper reports on the pilot study of two aspects of the quality of life, namely consumer and citizen satisfaction. These measures of satisfaction are viewed as indicators of the performance of the two sub-systems of the economy, the first of which is the market or exchange economy, and the second, the public non-exchange or grants economy. The ultimate claim and justification of the market economy is generally held to be its ability to satisfy individual consumers better than any other type of economic system. Indeed, the whole marketing concept is defined in terms of the ability of firms to satisfy the consumers’ needs. Similarly, the Declaration of Independence which Americans celebrate on July 4 each year states that man has an inalienable right to “the pursuit of happiness.” It does not say that the government can or should guarantee happiness to anyone. Nevertheless, implicit in democratic theories of society is a notion that governments exist to protect, maintain, and if possible, increase the satisfaction of their citizens.

Self-realization as the basis of psychotherapy: A look at two Eastern-Based practices, transcendental Meditation and Alpha Brain Wave Biofeedback

Abstract: The “name of the game” for all types of psychotherapy is ultimately the maximization of human happiness. All psychotherapy then becomes concerned with such notions as self-realization, self-actualization, human fulfillment, etc., although a given system may not use such terminology. This paper looks at some Eastern contributions to the promotion of self-realization – in particular a technique in the Hindu Yoga meditative tradition, transcendental meditation (TM) which is beginning to attract substantial scientific attention. In addition the paper also looks at some of the rather arresting research in alpha brain wave biofeedback training, originating from EEG monitoring of Zen and Yoga practitioners. People are training themselves to produce states of mind found subjectively to be pleasant.

Helping infants cope with change

Abstract: An attempt will be made here to set forth in non‐technical language, some practical suggestions on how teachers, students and child‐care workers can help infants cope with change as may occur with adoption and foster care at various ages. John Dewey once said, “Such happiness as life is capable of, comes from full participation of all of our powers in the endeavor to rest from each changing situation of experience, its own full unique meaning.”

Happiness in marriage.

Abstract: Happiness: “A state of well-being characterized by relative permanence, by dominant agreeable emotion ranging in value from mere contentment to deep and intense joy in living, and by a natural desire for its continuation.” (Webster)Happiness in Marriage: Husband and wife give each other sexual pleasure. Each endeavors to reduce old anxieties in the other. Each tries to avoid developing new anxieties in the other (H.A.A.)

Education and Employment

Abstract: The vital importance of providing the haemophilic child with a good education cannot be overstressed. His or her future happiness and prosperity may depend on the choice of a satisfying career in keeping with any limitations imposed by the bleeding disorder. This usually means brain rather than brawn, and jobs needing brain mean open competition with unaffected children and the passing of examinations.

Black Education in Black Literature in the U.S.A.

Abstract: The American Republic was founded in the belief that 'all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness' (Declaration of Independence) [1]. Yet without attempting to distract from the enormous achievements of that Republic in the last two hundred years it is undeniably true that the position of the Black in American society has never matched the fine ideals expressed by the Founding Fathers. As John O. Killens put it recently: Most of us came here in chains and many of you came here to escape from chains, your freedom was our slavery, and therein lies the bitter difference in the way we look at life. [2]

Do we really want a moral justification of our basic ideals

Abstract: It is commonly held that when there is a conflict of basic ideals, e.g. a humane man v. an elitist or a Social Darwinist or someone who holds a revenge ethic, no moral justification is possible. This paper attempts to go further and show that such a justification would be undesirable, would carry a price few would be willing to pay. The thesis is developed to shed light not only on classical thinkers (Plato, Locke, Kant) but also on the attractions of naturalism and intuitionism ‐ and to suggest the need for a non‐moral approach to justification, an approach emphasizing appeals to logic, self‐interest, and personal happiness.

Reply to a Lecture on Happiness Given by Professor Ostwald

Abstract: Schopenhauer prefaces his critique of Kantian philosophy by an introduction in which he declares he must begin by expressing once and for all his great admiration for Kant, so that for brevity’s sake he might afterwards confine himself to discussing what seems defective to him without constantly interrupting the argument by reaffirming his admiration and emphasizing the many excellent things that Kant discusses along with the seemingly incorrect material. I shall adopt the same procedure here, by first expressing my personal thanks to Prof. Ostwald for the great pleasure and intellectual inspiration that I have derived from his many-sided, profound and0020original writings and lectures, but then addressing myself without further ado exclusively to those parts with which I disagree.