In my research essay, I want to explore the idea that always trying to be happy might not be the best way to feel good overall. I think it’s a bit like thinking that being happy all the time is the only way to have a satisfying life. I believe that experiencing different emotions, like happiness, sadness, and even frustration, can be like adding different colors to a painting. It makes life more interesting and meaningful. So, my research is all about finding that balance and not just chasing happiness as the ultimate goal.

In my research, I expect to observe that patterns and tendencies can emerge, indicating a potential relationship between accepting a variety of emotions and overall well-being. However, the extent to which this relationship applies to every individual varies based on personal interpretation and context. So, while my research will contribute to our understanding, I cannot claim with certainty that the hypothesis holds true for all individuals in all situations.

Laflame’s Sources

1. Relationship between demoralization of the college student with their individual- and social-oriented self

Background: This study dives into how college students are not depressed but demoralized. In the beginning the author shows us the distinction between being demoralized and depressed. The author also talks about different studies conducted on college students to see how they feel in school. They use a Individual- and Social-oriented Self scale (ISS) to gauge students mental health. The measurement of individual-oriented self (ISS-I) was including four factors comprising the following dimensions: independence; self-determination; competition; and consistency. In addition, the measurement of social-oriented self (ISS-S) included four factors comprising the following dimensions: contextual self; interpersonal relatedness; self-cultivation; and social sensitivity.

How I Intend to Use It: This article will help me use quantifiable data for my argument and it helps give tangible answers to an existential question. It lists and talks about the reasons that college students may feel demoralized, but it also mentions how college students are able to enjoy the present and find joy in it.

2. The relationship between emotional intelligence and happiness in medical students 

Background: In this study, researchers looked at how emotions and happiness relate to us, the medical students. They found that if we have good emotional skills, we tend to be happier. This matches what other studies have seen. They also noticed that as we get older, we often feel less happy, but this can be different in various countries. The study showed that students who are more outgoing (extroverted) are usually happier. This might be because they have more social interactions. Additionally, if we have high emotional skills, we tend to feel healthier. This is important for our well-being as medical students. This study tells us that understanding and managing our emotions is linked to our happiness. It’s also good for our health. And, it’s suggested that shy students like me get more support to increase our happiness.

How I Intend to Use It: This study is useful because it shows that if you are emotionally intelligent you are able to overcome hardships and seemingly daunting tasks like med school. It helps prove that being able to cope with your emotions, gives you the ability to find happiness and content in the present.

3. Psychobiological factors of resilience and depression in late life

Background: This study talks about the role resilience has in Late-life depression, the authors in the study go in depth about how resilience can help overcome depression that comes with older age 

How I Intend to Use It: This study is a valuable addition to my research, helping me reach various demographics. It explores how different groups find happiness through resilience. The perspective on the elderly using resilience to lead a depression-free life strengthens my argument. It demonstrates that resilience applies universally, transcending age and background. By considering diverse demographic perspectives, my research becomes more comprehensive and persuasive. Ultimately, this article reinforces the significance of resilience in leading a life free from depression across different groups.

4. The surprising science of happiness

Background: Dan Gilbert’s TED Talk is about happiness. He says we often think big events will make us super happy or really sad, but that’s not always true. Our minds have a way to make us feel better even when things don’t go as planned. It’s like a built-in happiness system. He also talks about how we can make ourselves happy, even when things aren’t perfect. So, happiness isn’t just about what happens to us, but also how we think about it.

How I Intend to Use It: the TED Talk highlights that accepting and experiencing a range of emotions, including negative ones, is a more realistic and effective approach to well-being. It enables us to manage the ups and downs of life, adapt to changing circumstances, and create happiness from within. This contrasts with the idea of pursuing constant happiness, which may lead to unrealistic expectations and less resilience when faced with adversity.

5.What Is Happiness, Anyway?

Background: The author of the article helps define happiness. She says happiness means different things to different people. It’s about feeling good and having a sense of purpose. To be happy, you should feel personal joy and also care about others. Happiness comes from our brains, and we can make ourselves happier by changing how we think. People see happiness in different ways. It could be about family, nature, or being grateful. Happiness has different parts, like feeling grateful or understanding others. You can become happier by learning skills that work for you. Having a plan to be happier is a good idea, and don’t be too hard on yourself. Small steps can make you happier, and there are many ways to do it.

How I Intend to Use It: This article is useful because it helps give a basic definition of what happiness is to us. It will be really helpful when it comes time to write my paper because I can refer to it to make sure the definition of happiness I am discussing is not lost throughout the paper.