http://radio.weblogs.com/0148080/
In this edition of the Stress Cops PodCast Radio Show we bring you a quantum-self stress research report about the relationship between internal stress and happiness. It seems that regardless of the absence or presence of stress creating events outside us, our internal stress that results from not satisfying three basic personal needs can be so stress producing we cannot achieve happiness.
A Quantum-Self Research Report
A low level of stress is a key feature of what we call happiness. But the sort of stress imposed on us by outside events is not necessarily the strongest stress we encounter on a daily basis. And it is our daily experiences that determine the quality of our lives and ability to experience happiness.
But perhaps even more stress producing is the internal stress that comes from our daily personal decisions.
Researchers looked at how daily fluctuations in happiness relate to how well people satisfy three basic needs: autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Their definitions included:
* Autonomy = doing what you want to without being controlled by others.
* Competence = the ability to meet the challenges you face.
* Relatedness = having positive relationships with others.
The Research Investigation
At the University of Rochester and the University of Missouri, sixty-seven undergraduate students were randomly selected for the study. Following an initial testing session, they filled out a daily questionnaire designed to measure their autonomy, competence and relatedness. The questionnaire also captured information for each day regarding their level of happiness, and any illness-related symptoms for that day.
The research team found a strong relationship between the degree to which daily activities helped people meet the three basic needs (i.e., autonomy, competence, and relatedness) and how happy they reported being. A closer analysis reveled that the more closely these needs were met, the happier the subjects reported being.
The researchers also found that the more a subject’s autonomy and competence needs were satisfied, the fewer illness-related symptoms they experienced.
The Conclusion
You may be able to live happier, less illness-prone life by paying closer attention to satisfying your autonomy, competence, and relatedness needs more completely in your daily life.
This could involve engaging in more activities that are not controlled by others, going after challenges that match your abilities, and participating in positive relationships.
The Research:
Reis, H. T., Sheldon, K. M., Gable, S. L., Roscoe, J., & Ryan, R. M. (2000). Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 26, 419-435.
By Dr Jill Ammon-Wexler
© 2005 All Rights Reserved
The author, Dr. Jill Ammon-Wexler, is a pioneer brain/mind researcher, doctor of psychology, author, life adventurer, and international executive advisor. You will find more of her stress management and stress reduction articles at Quantum-Self.com -- the Self Discovery Community, and in the Quantum Brain Gym -- the webs first complete online brainwave training center.
The Stress Cops Radio Show
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