Pursuit Of Happiness Research Paper

The most “sought after” emotion in life is happiness, and yet it is the most difficult for scientists to explain. Happiness is often interpreted to be positive, but there are numerous downsides to this cheerful emotion. Due to the expectations that often accompany it, one’s happiness tends to cause feelings of betrayal and depression. Researchers conclude that those who are constantly happy, or strive to be, are the same people that often dread attending family events. For instance, “Don’t Worry, Be Gloomy” by Susan David states “Striving for happiness establishes an expectation and confirms the saying that expectations are resentments waiting to happen. That’s why holidays and family events are often disappointing, if not downright depressing”

Happiness is misunderstood in a sense that it can never be fully positive or worry free. Scientist struggle to define this emotion, just as we struggle to feel it at times. Untoward emotions are both an inevitable and necessary part of feeling happy; however, experiencing these emotions is not without benefits. Negative emotions can stir motivation, excite creativity, and encourage social interaction, leading these feelings to carry their own importance, instead of just existing as the opposite of happiness.

Being motivated to participate in a specific event or perform a certain role is necessary throughout life, as it helps one to stay on task. When we get excited about a new job, the test that we just aced, or whatever the case may be, our emotions tend to reflect in a positive manner. For example, when conducting research on the presence of happiness, the article “Toward a Positive

A negative mood is sometimes triggered by a tragic event, but it can lead to a forced interaction with others. People around offer help to whomever may be experiencing sadness or grief, for example, at a funeral. This presses conversation, exchanging words such as “I am sorry for your loss” or whatever the case may be. In the article “Happiness: Enough Already” Sharon Begley states, “When someone is appropriately sad, friends and colleagues offer support and sympathy” (467). This interaction improves social skills between others which might not normally occur in the context of happiness. Negative emotions trigger many behaviors through others, and without them, life would not have the opportunity to improve. Having well developed social interactions is a major advantage one must uphold, and our negative emotions can be responsible for these skills. Emotions are a large and necessary part of life, and can widely affect mood, behavior, or feelings towards a specific person or object. Negative emotions can benefit these characteristics, sometimes more than happiness itself. With positive influence on motivation and creativity, as well as forced, therapeutic social interaction, negative emotions can be as important in life as