Pursuing Happiness Linked to Unhealthy Behaviors, Including Overeating Chocolates and Heart Problems
Published on 3.31.25
Research has shown that pursuing happiness can lead to negative outcomes, such as depleting mental resources and reducing self-control. For instance, an experiment found that participants exposed to advertisements featuring the word "happiness" were more likely to engage in unhealthy behaviors like overeating chocolates compared to those not exposed to such prompts.
This phenomenon is particularly concerning when considering its impact on physical health. Exposure to violent media can have severe consequences, including weakened heart muscle and increased risk of heart attack and failure, especially for those with pre-existing conditions or extreme stress. A study by Dr. Ben Hanson and his team found that children as young as three years old are affected by prolonged exposure to violent TV.
The pursuit of happiness may also be linked to unhealthy behaviors in other ways. For example, a study by the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) found that children who experience father absence during early childhood are more likely to develop depression in adolescence and early adulthood.