Evidence-based tips for happiness

Happiness is all around us. This is supported by scientific evidence recently published on the website of Oasis of HA. If you are interested in knowing more about your psychological health, try out the online questionnaires which provide preliminary analysis and recommendations. Interested colleagues may contact Oasis on 2300 8619 to find out more.

Positive traits affect antibody response to vaccination

Do not belittle the correlation between psychological and physical well-being! A university in the United States conducted an interesting study in which 81 university students were administered hepatitis B vaccination. After a few months, students with positive disposition presented double antibody response to hepatitis B vaccination.

Source: Marsland, A. L., Cohen, S., Rabin, B. S., & Manuck, S. B. (2006). Trait positive affect and antibody response to hepatitis B vaccination. Brain, behavior, and immunity, 20(3), 261-269.

A love letter to myself

A research shows that writing a letter to yourself every day to show self-appreciation can help increase observable happiness in three months and the situation will last for six months.

Source: Shapira, L. B., & Mongrain, M. (2010). The benefits of self-compassion and optimism exercises for individuals vulnerable to depression. Journal of Positive Psychology, 5, 377-389.

‘Five-to-one’ principle of good marriage

A 20-year study on marital relationship concludes a principle of lasting marital relationship. To maintain a stable marriage, for every snide remark or accusation outburst, couples need to ramp up the positives by five times through compliment and appreciation.

Source: Gottman, J. M. (1994). What predicts divorce?: The relationship between marital processes and marital outcomes. Psychology Press.

How to maximise social contact with a gift voucher?

An interesting survey shows that a person who accompanies others to coffee shop to spend a gift voucher together is much happier than simply giving others a gift voucher.

Source: Aknin, L. B., Sandstrom, G. M., Dunn, E. W., & Norton, M. I. (2011). Investing in others: Prosocial spending for (pro) social change. In Positive psychology as social change (pp. 219-234). Springer Netherlands.

Good mood is a painkiller

A group of female patients with osteoarthritis and chronic pain records their psychological status weekly for three months. It is shown that the impact of pain is lessened when patients are in good mood.

Source: Zautra, A. J., Johnson, L. M., & Davis, M. C. (2005). Positive affect as a source of resilience for women in chronic pain. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 73(2), 212-220.

Click here to share more happy tips!

Click here for self-assessment of psychological health for staff