Learning Happiness at University: Literally

Happiness can be learned through courses like the ‘Science of Happiness’ at the University of Bristol.

This course teaches evidence-informed habits for well-being, such as gratitude and meditation. However, a follow-up study reveals that lasting happiness requires continuous effort and practice of these habits.

Research Findings

• The study referenced at end of this article is the first to assess the well-being of students who took a happiness course over time, highlighting the need for ongoing mental health practices.

Learning Happiness

• The ‘Science of Happiness’ course at the University of Bristol, started in 2018, shows that educational programs based on scientific research can significantly improve well-being.

Sustaining Well-being

• Long-term improvements in happiness depend on consistently applying positive psychology interventions learned during the course.

Insights from the Study

A recent study by the University of Bristol indicates that while we can learn to be happy, the benefits are short-lived without continuous practice.

The ‘Science of Happiness’ course, initiated in 2018, demonstrated a marked improvement in well-being among students by teaching evidence-based habits.

However, the study found that these benefits only lasted if students continued practicing habits like gratitude, exercise, meditation, or journaling.

Maintaining Mental Health

The process of learning happiness is akin to going to the gym, similar to physical health, mental health demands ongoing effort.

The study challenges the prevailing ‘self-care’ narrative by highlighting the significance of outward-focused activities, like helping others, spending time with friends, expressing gratitude, and engaging in meditation.

Course Impact

The Science of Happiness course reported a 10 to 15% improvement in student well-being.

However, only those who continued implementing the course learnings maintained improved well-being when surveyed again two years later.

Beyond the Course

The study, published in the journal Higher Education, is the first to track the well-being of students on a happiness course long after they completed the course.

Results show that merely taking a course is just the beginning, and individuals must commit to using what they learn on a regular basis.

Surprising Takeaways From The Study

• Talking to strangers makes us happier.
• Social media is not universally bad, but it can be detrimental to those who focus on their reputation.
• Loneliness impacts health by impairing our immune systems.
• Optimism increases life expectancy.
• Giving gifts to others activates reward centers in our brain, often providing more happiness than spending money on oneself.
• Sleep deprivation affects how well-liked we are by others.
• Walking in nature deactivates parts of the brain associated with negative thoughts, linked to depression.
• Kindness and happiness are correlated.

Original Research: Open access. “Long‑term analysis of a psychoeducational course on university students’ mental well‑being” by Bruce Hood et al. Higher Education