tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8512362.post4898153439053073081..comments2024-03-10T13:59:19.230-04:00Comments on xpostfactoid: On "catching" happinessAndrew Sprunghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17601269968798865106noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8512362.post-76752908703380065332009-09-14T15:40:40.241-04:002009-09-14T15:40:40.241-04:00I have to question whether the study demonstrates ...I have to question whether the study demonstrates a causal relationship, or merely a correlation. <br /><br />The study describes an extrovert's approach to relationships: "The happiest people in Framingham were those who had the most connections, even if the relationships weren't necessarily deep ones." Thus the study has, without setting out to do so, divided respondents into an extrovert camp and an introvert camp. And it has found that the extrovert camp is happier, on average, than the introvert camp.<br /><br />Perhaps extroverts are happier not because they have more, relatively superficial relationships, but for some other, unidentified reason. Maybe making a habit of introspection (which introverts tend to do) decreases one's overall happiness. Or maybe extroverts are more successful, on average, than introverts. (I believe North America tends to prefer and promote extroverts over introverts.)<br /><br />If that's the case, just multiplying the number of "friends" you have won't make you happier. Unless you thereby become an extrovert (contrary to your native inclinations) and reap the rewards.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com