The science of happiness - with Bruce Hood

Introduction

In 2018, the University of Bristol faced a dire crisis in student mental health affecting its community and reflecting a broader trend seen across universities. Mental health problems among students had surged exponentially, growing sevenfold over a decade. This situation called for immediate action, prompting a search for effective solutions.

One notable example came from Yale University, where former Harvard student, Lori Santos, launched a successful course titled "Psychology and the Good Life," addressing similar mental health issues. Inspired by her success, Bruce Hood connected with Santos and adapted her course, creating a unique offering titled “The Science of Happiness” at the University of Bristol. The course quickly attracted attention, with 600 students registering during a pilot session.

The course combined lectures on positive psychology, neuroscience, and child development with practical activities and group discussions. Unlike traditional courses, it did not use graded examinations, instead offering credit based solely on participation and engagement. The approach included banning smartphones during lectures and encouraging students to engage in small group meetings facilitated by senior students.

After six years of running the course, data revealed a consistent 10-15% increase in student happiness and well-being. However, while students experienced initial boosts, many returned to their baseline levels of happiness six months post-completion. Importantly, those who maintained the course's activities sustained their improved levels of happiness for up to two years.

Hood emphasized that happiness requires consistent effort and cannot be achieved through a brief course or lecture alone. Mental health, he suggested, is akin to physical health—it demands regular practice and attention.

Hood elaborated on the nature of happiness, explaining that it encompasses both emotional and cognitive components. He analyzed why happiness can feel elusive, attributing it to our innate tendency to adapt and the survival mechanisms our species has developed. This ‘hedonic treadmill’ means that as we acquire what we desire—such as wealth—we quickly adapt and seek more, resulting in a constant pursuit of happiness without achieving lasting satisfaction.

To illustrate the brain's natural response to stimuli, Hood conducted a sensory adaptation demonstration, which showcased how perception can be influenced by previous experiences. He not only highlighted how our brains are wired to focus on negative experiences—drawing comparisons and heightening feelings of inadequacy—but also offered practical strategies and lessons for fostering happiness.

Key lessons Hood shared included:

1. Understanding Your Ego: Shift from an egocentric to an allocentric perspective to recognize the impact of your problems versus others' and to cultivate gratitude.

2. Avoiding Isolation: Participate in social interactions; loneliness has significant mental and physical health repercussions.

3. Rejecting Negative Comparisons: Learn to appreciate individual journeys instead of constantly comparing against others, especially through the lens of social media.

4. Becoming More Optimistic: Challenge negative thoughts through structured techniques like the ABCDE method to cultivate a more positive outlook.

5. Controlling Your Attention: Mind wandering often leads to unhappiness; practices such as meditation can help center your focus and reduce negativity.

6. Engaging Social Interactions: Strike up conversations with strangers to combat the misconception that socializing will be awkward; research indicates it tends to increase happiness.

7. Getting Out of Your Head: Engage in activities that distract from self-focused thoughts, whether through hobbies, community engagement, or even psychedelic-assisted therapies under supervision.

In concluding remarks, Hood emphasized that true happiness lies not in transient pleasures but in deeper connections with others and personal growth. He referenced a quote from Marcus Aurelius: “The happiness of your life depends on the quality of your thoughts,” suggesting that how we perceive and think impacts our overall happiness.

Keywords

• Mental Health
• Happiness
• Positive Psychology
• Motivation
• Ego
• Community
• Optimism
• Social Interactions
• Mindfulness
• Emotional Well-being

FAQ

Q: What is the main focus of Bruce Hood's course on happiness? A: The main focus is to leverage positive psychology and neuroscience to enhance students' well-being through practical activities and engagement.

Q: How much increase in happiness do students experience after the course? A: Data shows a consistent 10-15% increase in happiness and well-being among participants.

Q: What happens to students' happiness after completing the course? A: Many students return to their baseline happiness levels six months post-course unless they continue the recommended practices.

Q: Does the course have graded examinations? A: No, the course offers credit based entirely on engagement and participation, with no graded exams.

Q: What are some key strategies for fostering happiness? A: Key strategies include shifting your ego perspective, avoiding isolation, rejecting negative comparisons, becoming optimistic, controlling attention, engaging in social interactions, and getting out of your own head.