Scientists have shown that genetics is the key behind every aspect of human behavior and this includes happiness; some people are genetically more inclined to happiness than others. The new research has shown a very interesting link between genetics and a nation’s happiness. It says – ‘Closer a nation is to the genetic makeup of Denmark, the happier the country is.’ So why is it that nations genetically similar to Denmark are happier? That’s what this study has shown.
ALSO SEE: Introduction To Genetics: The Molecular Basis Of Life ‘DNA’
The research was carried out by economists at the University of Warwick by lead researchers Dr. Eugenio Proto and Professor Andrew Oswald. They found three forms of evidence for a link between genetic makeup and a nation’s happiness.
Firstly, data from 131 countries was collected from a number of international surveys. Using this, the researchers cross linked national data on genetic distance and well being. The results were surprising as researchers found that the greater the difference in genetics of a particular nation and Denmark, the lower is the reported well being of that country. This data used had been adjusted so that all the factors influencing the happiness of a nation were observed, this included Gross Domestic Product, Culture, Religion and the strength of the welfare state and geography.
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Second evidence came from study of a particular gene mutation that influences the reuptake of serotonin. Serotonin is responsible for mood changes and is associated with mental wellbeing.
Researchers looked at an existing research that suggested that the long and short variants of that gene are correlated with different probabilities of clinical depression. The short version of the gene is associated with higher neuroticism and lower life satisfaction.
Among the 30 nations included in this study, Denmark and Netherlands had the lowest percentage of people with this short version.
Last Evidence came from studying the link between genetics and the happiness across generations, continents and Atlantic ocean. Data on the wellbeing of Americans was used and scientists looked at which part of the world their ancestors came from. A positive correlation was observed between happiness today of those nations where American ancestors came from and Americans whose ancestors came from those nations. These observations remained true even after controlling for personal income and religion.
ALSO SEE: Gene Mutation That Leads To Abnormal Development Responsible For Autism Discovered
According of the researchers the results are quite contrary to their assumptions and it seems that genetic patterns can help scientists understand international well being.
- Reference: National Happiness and Genetic Distance: A Cautious Exploration (PDF)[IZA]
- Source: University of Warwick
- Image: EuropeWorld
This means that if I move to Denmark with my genes, I will not become any happier. Moreover, if I move there, Denmark will become less happy, on average. There is no point moving to “happier” places. It’s best to be happy where you are.
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I read about this! Having a Danish husband, I guess that’s a good thing! 🙂 I do think they are generally happy but it’s interesting it’s in the genes. And perhaps nurture. I wonder who the unhappiest people in the world are? cheers, Tanny
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Great post. They make such great crime drama M-R, because they pay a TV levy of $500 each a year.
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Thanks! Sorry for the late reply! 🙂
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I like the new look 🙂
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Thanks! 🙂
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A super race of tall, happy blonde Danish women is an intriguing possibility.
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Yeah!
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And, as I said many posts ago to an article about Denmark’s being the happiest country in the world, that must be how come they’re so FANTASTICALLY GOOD at making the best crime drama in the world !!!! 😀
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Yeah, that would make sense. 🙂
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I’ve a little Danish. I’m happy with that.
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I wish I was born there! I could have been happy as much as you! 🙂
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Very interesting study. I am half English and half Swedish. I am a very happy person, by and large.:-]
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Thanks for reading! That’s great! 🙂
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Denmark and Netherlands were not so happy 1940-1945.
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That’s right! 🙂
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