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Robin Williams Can Leave an even Greater Legacy: Eliminate Stigma

August 14, 20140

President Obama on the passing of Robin Williams:

“Robin Williams was an airman, a doctor, a genie, a nanny, a president, a professor, a bangarang Peter Pan, and everything in between. But, he was one of a kind. He arrived in our lives as an alien – but he ended up touching every element of the human spirit. He made us laugh. He made us cry. He gave his immeasurable talent freely and generously to those who needed it most – from our troops stationed abroad to the marginalized on our own streets. The Obama family offers our condolences to Robin’s family, his friends, and everyone who found their voice and their verse thanks to Robin Williams.”

I would add to this that Robin Williams will be an instrumental part of removing much of the stigma associated with mental health issues-opening the way for more to achieve greater mental and emotional health.

People will ridicule and stigmatize strangers but there are so many who love Robin Williams whose attitude about seeking help will change because they will understand that if society had been different, if we had deeper conversations with one another, if we understood more, Robin Williams might have received the right help at the right time.

This shift in the stigma associated with mental/emotional health may become Robin Williams’s greatest legacy. Let’s make it so.

He can’t do it alone but with the help of those who love him there has never been a better time.

We live in a world where people in emotional pain suffer in silence. Their pain affects everyone. Mental health affects physical health, behavior, relationships, and cognitive abilities.

The origin of the stigma came from fear about the cause of mental illness and the inability of healers to cure it. Today we know more and can do more. It is time for everyone to understand the mind-body connection and how to attain and sustain better emotional and mental health. We have the tools to accomplish this—now it is time to educate, to help everyone understand how much difference it makes and how simple it can be to feel better.

Think about what you would have wanted for Robin Williams if you had known the pain he was in. Make a decision that you’ll be supportive of eliminating any negative bias you may have toward mental and emotional health issues.

Make a decision to give a smile to those who have none and a hug to those who need one. Compliment more, criticize less. Be open to deeper conversations. Learn more about how to decrease stress and increase happiness-they are opposite ends of the same stick.

This great man, with a great legacy, has the potential to become even greater.

Rest in peace Robin Wiilliams.


Blogs, Mental/Emotional Health

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Do you think Happiness is a Fluffy Topic?

July 27, 20140

Think you have better things to do with your time than be happy or think about happiness or learn how to be happy?

Wondering why Harvard Business Review devoted a cover and many pages to the topic of happiness in January? Do you think they are losing it?

They have a clue.

If you don’t have one yet you are missing out.

You’re missing out on being your best. You’re missing out on being in the best health you can be in. You’re missing out on having getting and giving the best you can from your current relationships. Your missing out on a lot of success. You’re missing out on more healthy years at the end of your life and it is likely you are missing out on some years, too. You’re not making the best decisions you could make. You are not living up to your potential; not even close.

Scientists across many disciplines have been very busy conducting exacting research into happiness over the last two decades. For most of that time the results were tucked away in obscure and expensive scientific journals but the lid has blown off now.

Happiness, defined as a deep sense of inner stability, peace, well-being, and vitality that is consistent and sustainable, provides seemingly infinite benefits.

Just a few highlights are listed below.

Health Benefits

50% reduction in risk of cardiovascular disease

Protective against some cancers

Slows progress of disease

Improves immune system function

There is lots more ~ everything from colds & flu to diabetes, HBP and Alzheimers

Greater increase in longevity than from quitting smoking

Relationship Benefits

Relationships are more loving, deeper, less drama and turmoil, warmer, more supportive

Behavioral Benefits

More likely to make good decisions

Crimes, substance abuse and even teen pregnancy decline with increased happiness

Exercise, adequate sleep and good nutrition choices are more likely to be made

Intelligence and Creativity

Actually increase as happiness increases

Employer Benefits

Lower Absenteeism

Lower turnover

Increased productivity

Improved corporate citizenship

Lower health care costs

Now that you understand that happiness is not a fluffy, nice to have what are you going to do about it?

Let’s be clear. The absence of negative emotions is not happiness. The presence of somewhat chronic positive emotions is necessary to reap the benfits.

Are you there yet?

We know that just telling you to be positive is a waste of words. It takes a combination of knowledge and skills to get on the path and follow it.

Want to know the path?

Our classes are the best available to increase happiness, optimism, emotional intelligence, resilience, self mastery, well-being and improve relationships. A masterful combination of information that helps students have a clearer perspective about topics such as their own beliefs and the impact of current emotional state on behavior is utilized. The course includes more than 50 processes, many evidence based skills, to help students deliberately impact their emotional state and develop new habits of thought that are more beneficial to thriving.

We have continuously searched for new information across many disciplines including positive psychology, neuroscience, resilience, sociology, emotional intelligence, quantum physics, psychoneuroimmunology, and behavioral science over many years.

Are you ready to give up being right (about happiness being a fluffy topic) and reap the benefits of new knowledge? Give yourself credit for your ability to learn something new. Celebrate that you now know something you did not know before. Revel in the fact that you live now when the benefits of happiness are becoming known.


Benefits, Blogs, Business, Science

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Are You Passionate About the Well-being of Your Family?

July 26, 20140

Are you passionate about the well-being of your family?

If you are you will want to know about the research results that are slowly (too slowly in my opinion based on their importance) making their way out of the scientific research facilities and into the knowledge bank of both scientists and non-scientists in other fields.

The new research points the way to improved health, well-being, relationships, emotional intelligence, creativity, cognitive ability, decision-making, resilience, immune system function, depression. as well as reductions in racism, substance abuse, crime, teen pregnancy, and other social concerns.

One thing that can improve your relationships, your health, and your success?

One would think this information would be shouted from the rooftops.

The science is very solid. The proof is in.

Why isn’t it being talked about on every channel? I don’t know.

Science, I have learned, typically progresses slowly in adopting new ideas and beliefs.

Although they don’t tend to chop off their heads for radical new ideas these days the fear instilled about moving too far away from the norm is not far from that which a potential separation from ones head would invoke. New research in one field often takes years to reach professionals in other fields. There is a saying “Science progresses one funeral at a time.” — Max Planck

Many people are under the misconception that current scientific theories come to prominence in science because the new discoveries changed the minds of the old guard through proofs and experimentation. Closer to the truth is that, proof and experimentation changed the minds of younger scientists, and only when old guards die off, the new theories rise to take their place and make prominent the new theory. This is true even when the old beliefs are proven clearly false. Much of the progress we see (for example, advances in medical advances), comes not from science but from business building on science.

When actions can affect human well-being or change the world, that pace is entirely too slow. The information that has come to light can literally improve health and well-being significantly, reduce crime, reduce racism, reduce substance abuse, reduce teen pregnancy and, it is my belief that it is the path to peace.

When evidence from different scientific disciplines is combined the science is solid and compelling.

Positive emotions, optimism, and happiness provide these benefits and much more.

The absence of negative emotions is not the same as the presence of positive emotions.

Science has even shown that pessimists can become more optimistic and our own level of positive emotions is within our control.

All it takes is a little knowledge and a few skills to manage your emotions to a place where you can benefit from increased positive emotions, optimism, and happiness.

New research from Harvard even shows us why the benefits of positivity are so great. Our bodies were not designed to tolerate negative emotions for long periods of time. We were designed to respond to negative emotions the way we respond to other sensory input, by making changes to make things more comfortable for us. We do not leave our hands on a burning stove and ignore the pain. Neither should we ignore negative emotions. We are supposed to feel good most of the time. The research is available at www.emotionalsentience.com.

In addition to the typical flight and fight responses we all know about there is something called a “Right Response” (RR) described in this scientific paper that is most appropriate to most situations humans encounter in their day-to-day lives. Learning how to use RRs provides a level of self-mastery over ones emotions that is followed by thriving.

Positivity has a better impact on longevity than whether an individual smokes or not. How passionate are you about making sure your children do not take up this habit? If you put that much passion into helping them develop skill at RRs you will benefit them far more and they are more likely to make good decisions including the decision not to take up that habit.

Classes that teach Right Responses are available. See our website for details.

© Jeanine Joy, 2012-2014

President, Happiness 1st Institute


Benefits, Blogs, Parenting, Science

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Senseless Tragedies: Prevention

July 26, 20140

Root Cause of Senseless Tragedies

Prevention: One person at a time

 

This publication represents the first installment in Happiness 1st Institute’s series of White Papers on the importance of understanding emotions. The papers in the series are intended to offer plain-English descriptions of the foundational elements of the importance of understanding emotions, as well as insights and practical steps you may consider for incorporating the concepts within your own organization or life. In the following pages, you will find a discussion of concepts necessary for understanding emotions an integral part of managing their impact. We believe application of these concepts will help create what we consider the epitome of enlightened emotional management.

Keep in mind that the application of these concepts is new information for most. The study of human thriving is a relatively new area for scientific discoveries as prior efforts focused more upon decreasing the impact of problems instead of enhancing potential. This addresses the root cause of many unwanted things by creating an environment of thriving in which those undesired elements cannot flourish. Most current programs - for health, mental health, societal problems, relationship problems are directed at treating symptoms. This is directed at the root cause.

Open communication is a key characteristic of a educating others on these concepts. Consider sharing this whitepaper with other executives, board members, and key managers in your organization as well as important people in your life and the lives of your children. The new understanding of emotions has the potential to beneficially impact the world. The more information that is shared the faster those benefits can be enjoyed by people around the world.

When actions can affect human well-being or change the world, it’s not business as usual. New research in one field often takes years to reach professionals in other fields. The information about emotions coming out of may areas of science have the potential to positively impact health and well-being around the world, as well as many social issues including substance abuse, teen pregnancy, crime, recidivism rates, productivity, divorce rates and depression. We believe it is contains the keys to peace.

The issues and concepts outlined herein should provide an excellent starting point for a crucial dialogue on enhancing your organization’s understanding of emotions. For additional information, visit www.Happiness1stInstitute.com.

We are available to provide classes, private consultations as well as coaching services and collaboration with schools, prisons and non-profits.

Labels

Humans label by characteristics, behavior, and appearance. We then apply judgments based upon the labels we assign to others and ourselves.

 

Labels save time and help us navigate life but they can also greatly diminish outcomes.

Individual behavior varies largely due to the current emotional state of the individual. When we judge based on behavior without an understanding of the impact of emotional state on behaviors, individuals at lower emotional states tend to be judged harshly and their potential greatly underestimated.

For example, the same individual feeling despair would not respond to the same situation the way he or she would when happy.
Impact of Emotional State

In order to see the true potential in others the link between emotional state and behavior must be understood and considered during our interactions.

An individuals current emotional state has significant impacts on all of the following:

· Behavior · Intelligence · Emotional Intelligence
· Health · Well-being · Resilience
· Relationships · Motivation · Creativity
· Decisions (including lifestyle, i.e., diet, exercise, alcohol, drugs, and risky behavior)

 

In general, you can assume that someone behaving in undesirable ways has negative emotions that have not been responded to in of the three constructive methods.

The best response to most negative emotion in modern society involves ‘Right Responses[A] (RRs). This involves some action or a deliberate and conscious change in mindscape.

Emotions provide information to guide us. The other two appropriate responses are Fight (non-violent assertive resistance) or Flight. Suppressing or denying emotions is dysfunctional and leads to many other problems.

Ignoring a negative emotion is just as unhealthy as putting your hand on a hot stove and leaving it there to burn while ignoring the pain inflicted. Pain is information that tells us to take some action. Likewise, emotions are guidance that helps us recognize unhealthy thoughts or circumstances.

If we are judging an unhappy person based upon their behavior we are not seeing their potential. When we see their potential we are more likely to inspire them to achieve more of their potential. Potential is a terrible thing to waste.

In general, emotional states can be defined (broadly) with the following feelings:

Emotional Guidance Scale (EGSc)

Sweet Zone

· Joy · Appreciation · Freedom
· Empowered · Love · Awe
· Passion · Enthusiasm · Eagerness
· Happy · Positive Expectation · Belief
· Inspired · Trust · Faith
· Optimism · Serenity · Satisfaction
· Fulfilled

Hopeful Zone

· Hopefulness · Gratitude

Blah Zone

· Contentment · Boredom · Pessimism
· Apathy

Drama Zone

· Frustration · Irritation · Impatience
· Overwhelmed · Disappointment

Give Away Zone

· Doubt · Worry · Blame
· Guilt · Discouragement

Hot (Red) Zone

· Anger · Revenge

Powerless Zone

· Hatred · Rage · Jealousy
· Insecurity · Fear · Unworthiness
· Grief · Depression · Despair
· Powerlessness · Learned Helplessness · Guardedness
· Hopelessness

 

Emotions and Thoughts

Emotions are the response to thoughts. This fact is easily demonstrated by taking someone through a guided visualization of scenes designed to elicit emotions. As the scene changes the emotional state changes.

There are actually three levels of emotions. The most basic are felt below conscious thought. For example, if the hairs on the back of your neck stand up because of a danger you have not yet consciously been aware of that is the most basic level.

The second level consists of simple emotions that come in response to actual thoughts. For example, fear is one such emotion.

The third level is also emotions that come as the result of conscious thoughts but the thoughts are more complex, the responses are not necessarily inborn responses but trained by external third parties (parents, church, society, teachers, etc.). For example, shame. A baby and small child have no shame about their body when they are naked. This emotion is taught by third parties and would be considered a complex emotion.

Emotions are information that we are designed to be acted upon. When third party imposed negative emotions do not provide a path to better feeling emotions they set the stage for all sorts of problems including behavioral, emotional (See DSM), and health. We were not designed to suffer negative emotions on a long-term basis and when we endure them we do suffer.

Emotional Set Points

Emotional set points impact how an individual will feel in response to stimulus. For example, someone who is experiencing a lot of frustration will find more things that are frustrating in new circumstances and a person with a generally hopeful attitude will notice aspects they find generally hopeful in new situations.

Reticular Activating System (RAS)

The emotional set point is assisted by the Reticular Activating System (RAS) Filter in their brain. The RAS Filter sifts external input based on filters such as:

  1. Beliefs held by the individual
  2. Expectations of the individual
  3. Emotional set points of the individual[B]
  4. Focus of the individual

This filter only passes some information to the conscious brain and filters out a great deal of information that our senses record. This is beneficial because otherwise we would be overloaded with too much information.

However, the filters have often been programmed in ways that do not serve the individual well.

Beliefs & Limiting Beliefs

For example, if someone has a limiting belief the filter will keep information from passing to their conscious brain, thus, their ability to overcome the limiting belief is blocked or minimized.

Many individuals RAS filters are impacted by a belief that their actions will not make a difference. This condition has been termed “Learned Helplessness.” Individuals with this condition will not take actions that others (who do not hold the same limiting belief) clearly see would make a difference for the better in their life experience. They literally don’t see some beneficial actions as possibilities because their filter holds back the information. Even if they see the actions as possible their RAS filter does not allow them to imagine the potential benefits of the positive actions the way someone in a more hopeful mindset could. The RAS filter does not allow the information that conflicts with the current beliefs, expectations, and emotional set point to flow to the conscious mind. The filter does not do this out of malice or because the person lacks worthiness or societal value. The RAS filter is unbiased in that way. The belief that their actions will not make a difference results in the filter not placing opportunities (or their potential beneficial outcomes) in their conscious mind.

Learned Helplessness can apply to life in general or to a specific subject or subjects. For example, someone who does well in one area may feel paralyzed in another . This indicates that on that topic they have developed a belief that their actions will not matter.

The detrimental impact of learned helplessness are often seen in long-term poverty, addictions, and remaining in dangerous relationships.

Learned Helplessness is an example of being at the lowest end of the Emotional Guidance Scale. This belief can be changed. When the belief changes the individual will begin seeing the opportunities. The potential for positive change is amazing.

There are as many limiting beliefs as there are individuals. The best way to overcome them is to decide what beliefs would serve you best, not to try to figure out what beliefs may be limiting to you.

The filtering effect results in your conscious mind not receiving information that contradicts your beliefs so it is difficult for you to identify your own limiting beliefs. Reading inspiring books such as “The Magic of Thinking Big” by David Schwartz or “Unlimited Power” by Anthony Robbins can help identify beliefs that could be beneficial to positive motion forward. A contemporary book that is good is “Infinite Possibilities” by Mike Dooley.

Another technique is to write about your life and then ask someone else to read what you have written and help you identify limiting beliefs.

One key to identifying limiting beliefs is to look for statements with “but”. I want to, “but”, followed by some reason the individual believes he or she is limited and cannot do as desired.

Many people will argue for their limitations quite vehemently. It is best not to point out limiting beliefs unless someone is asking as they will just take a stronger position in defense of what their life has shown them to be true. If they do not understand the role of their RAS filter they won’t understand why they see so much evidence supporting their position even though their position is only true for them because of their belief. Those with different beliefs have different experiences.

Expectations

Expectations will also impact what the RAS filter allows through to the conscious mind. This has a tremendous impact on perception of others. For example, if one has formed a negative impression of an individual, he will expect to see behaviors that reflect his negative impression. It will be difficult for him to see progress, especially in the initial stages of change.

Perhaps the best advantage of understanding that our expectations color how we see others is that, once we understand this, we can see people clearly. Instead of seeing people as colored by our previous experience, we allow ourselves to develop new expectations and we will be able to see others in a different light.

If you have defined someone or something (to yourself) by their potential, your expectation (filter) will look for evidence of becoming more of who they can be. Whereas, if you have defined them (to yourself) as someone with bad behavior your filter will look for further evidence of bad behavior and ignore improvements or change.

Emotional Set Points

The emotional set point of the individual will impact what gets through the RAS filter. The filter trusts that you are intelligent and deliberately determining your focus. So, in essence, if you are frustrated often (by traffic, by co-workers, by your family, friends, and house, by spilling the coffee or tripping on something, etc.) your filter says “Oh, she/he wants to feel frustration. Look here …. here is something else that is frustrating. Oh, and look here, this is also frustrating.” Again, there is no malice. Your filter assumes you understand that you get more of what you focus upon.

Let’s take an example of this. Two individuals can go to the same restaurant, have exactly the same food, prepared in the same way to their specifications, even sit in the same place and have the same server. One who has been focused on enjoying life can have a wonderful time. The one who has been predominately frustrated will find things about the experience that are frustrating that the individual focused on enjoying life does not see (because their filter does not highlight the things that are frustrating).

The ‘big deals’ will still show up. This is not about burying ones head in the sand. It is about, however, having a positive bias on life. When you expect things to go well your filter will show you evidence of things going well. Is it a ‘big deal’ if your waitress takes two extra minutes to refill your water glass? If your focus is on enjoying life you may not even notice until she is there pouring the refreshing water - you will notice in time to thank her. If you are living in frustration you will notice that your water glass is getting low and as soon as it is empty you will feel frustration that it has not been replenished.

This is just an overview of how the various factors impact the filter.

Emotional State - Impact on Behavior

When you understand that higher emotional states equate to more desirable behaviors you will understand the importance of focusing upon helping the person move to higher and higher emotional states. Punishments tend to keep people at low emotional states and progress is very slow, if it happens at all. Helping someone with undesirable behavior feel better goes against what almost everyone has been taught from a young age. On the other hand, when you look at how things really unfold you will understand that this is the only path to permanent improvement and I will even say, eradication of much of the socially unacceptable behaviors (in time when this is understood by the masses).

Regrets & Self-criticism

Often the greatest punishments come in the form of negative self-talk.

While it is good to have a conscious about our own behaviors, understanding that we re-create ourselves throughout life and being self-critical about past mistakes just keeps us from moving forward.

When I encounter someone who has deep regret over a past decision I often ask them “If you were in that situation right now would you make the same decision?”. The answer is frequently an adamant “no!”.

 

My response is then “Clearly you are no longer the same person who made that decision/mistake. Why punish your current self for who you used to be? The person you are today would not do that action so why punish the person you are today?”

I believe fully understanding this not only provides relief from self condemnation but inspires others to want to continue forward motion and become even more.

Although it is a subject for another paper, long-term guilt and regret have negative health consequences.

“Higher” or “Ideal Self”

We all have a “Higher Self” or an “Ideal Self”. We create this self as we live and make decisions about who we really want to be. If we are mean to someone we create a “Higher Self” that is nicer. If someone is mean to us we create a “Higher Self” that others are nicer to. This Higher or Ideal Self” calls us. The Higher Self has achieved all the dreams we have dreamed and our job is to move in the direction of the Higher Self we have created through the living of our life. The “Higher Self” is not a stagnant ‘ideal’. It is ever evolving as we experience life. The “Higher Self” is unique to each of us. No two of us want the same exact things although there are many commonalities.

This differences in individual desires is another area where greater understanding would serve us well. We perceive the actions of others through our own lenses. If our dream is to be married to the same partner for 50+ years we may not be able to understand the perspective of another who chooses not to marry. Understanding that we each have unique desires and perspectives and that this is a wonderful thing would help not only personal relationships but national relationships. We can desire what we desire (we actually can’t help but desire what we desire) because our life has shown us that is what we believe is best for us. However, when you look for someone else to validate your desires and dreams you are asking if your desire and or dreams satisfies their perspectives which really have nothing to do with your own.

Where we are the same is that the higher we get on the EGS the better our behaviors become from the perspective of treating others well.

Violent criminals sometimes appear happy at their own actions but what is being witnessed is a sense of relief they feel in moving up the scale from somewhere in the vicinity of despair (which feels totally powerless) to somewhere like revenge where some of their power has been taken back. Their seemingly positive emotions are not joy, appreciation, or love. They are a sense of relief.

It is not necessary to commit violence in order to move up through the hot (red) zone and stabilize oneself at higher emotional set points. In fact, violence does not usually happen until they have tried to move up and someone or society has sent them back down, repeatedly.

It is quite possible to move up from despair and hopelessness through anger, rage, and revenge just using thoughts. Actions are not necessary to move up the scale. A guide in this process is often helpful.

It may seem that I am blaming those who have held others down or pushed them back down for their resulting violent behaviors. In actuality, I am not interested in trying to figure out who is to blame. Someone taught the person that pushed them back down beliefs that punishing them and limiting their power was the right way to act and the person who taught them learned it from another and so on back through time.

Your higher self says “Yes You Can” and you can verify this by thinking (and believing) “I can” and feel your emotional response to it. Your emotional response will feel better than it will when you think and feel “I can’t”

Yes, I can!

A Better World

My interest is in a better world for everyone going forward. I cannot impact or change the past but I can impact and change the future.

What is clear is what has been done in the past has not worked well for many members of the human race.

Understanding how our emotions impact our behavior and focusing on helping one another reach and sustaining ourselves at higher emotional levels will have a tremendous positive impact on the future.

Success requires that we set our intentions on the loftier goal of creating a better world and cling less to the ‘need’ to have been right in our opinions and judgments in the past.

Celebrate knowing new knowledge rather than regreting what you once did not know. Everyone has always done the best they could in the moment. Even when ‘the best in the moment’ is not good, it was the best possibility for them in that moment. Their best in other moments could be better.

There is never a time in this life when we know everything. Like children who gain new knowledge as they learn to walk, we are continuously gaining new knowledge as we live and are exposed to new concepts, ideas, experiences, and scientific discoveries. Embrace the new knowledge and leave any regrets for what you once did not know in the past. If you know enough to regret something now the person you are also knows better than that person you used to be knew. Love who you are and who you are becoming.

Benefits of Increased Positivity

When individuals reach a sustainable place in the Sweet Zone one of the first things almost everyone does is exhibit a desire for others to also enjoy that sort of emotional stability.

There are many processes to help individuals move up and to stabilize at higher emotional set points. At Happiness 1st Institute we teach over 50[C] processes to help individuals manage their own emotional set points.

We are not speaking of transient forms of happiness that are usually based upon some event, possession or other person. We are speaking of a type of happiness that provides a deep sense of inner stability, peace, well-being, and vitality that is consistent and sustainable. This sort of happiness is available to anyone who gains a greater understanding of self.

In addition to the behavioral benefits to society, there is a great deal of research that supports the benefits of happiness for individuals, their family, friends, and society in general. These include: happiness leads to greater success (Harvard Study), greater longevity (Nun study), improved health (too many studies to list - see our website for many citations and examples), better relationships of all types (again, too many studies to list), higher earnings (too many studies to list), lower crime and substance abuse[D], and increased intelligence and creativity (especially see Barbara L. Fredrickson, Ph.D.’s work and her “Broaden and Build” theory in either her research or her book, Positivity).

The type of happiness we are talking about is different. It is being who we are authentically, at our core, connected to our Higher Self and focused upon becoming as much like the Higher Self we have created as we can. This type of happiness increases resilience and gives us confidence to pursue our dreams. It does not require continual happiness but the knowledge, desire, and sureness that you can easily and quickly return to that state using skills and knowledge is always present. You are in control of you and your responses to life.

Purpose of Emotions is Guidance

Emotions are guidance. They let you know whether you are moving in the direction of becoming more like your “Higher Self” or away from who you have decided you want to be.

Think of it like the children’s game of finding a lost object where clues of ‘you’re getting warmer” or “you’re getting colder” are given and it becomes simple to follow your guidance. Positive emotions mean you are moving in the right direction and negative emotions indicate you are moving away from your goal.

Appreciate the emotions for the guidance they are.

The ‘Ideal or Higher Self’ is a view of ourselves at our best having achieved our greatest (believable) potential. This ‘Ideal self’ taps our passions, our values, and our past achievements.

“A noble man compares and estimates himself by an idea which is higher than himself; and a mean man, by one lower than himself. The one produces aspiration; the other ambition, which is the way in which a vulgar man aspires.”

~ Marcus Aurelius

“There is nothing noble about being superior to some other man. The true nobility is in being superior to your previous self.”

~ Hindu Proverb

This ‘Ideal or Higher Self’ is different from the ‘ought self’ that is the construct of things you believe that you should or ought to do based on expectations and requirements of others.

The ‘Ideal or Higher Self’ motivates you from within. The ‘ought’ self is using external criteria to motivate and may or may not be in alignment with your true goals.

What is the difference between your ‘Ideal or Higher Self’ and who you usually are in your day to day interactions? The ‘gap’ has a lot to do with what you believe you are capable of being. There is always a gap because the ‘Ideal or Higher Self’ is a moving target and this is a good thing. Some of the greatest athletes of all time focused on moving toward their ‘Ideal or Higher Self’ and continued to improve even when they were great. The ‘Ideal or Higher Self’ is a self-created self that is the best you can imagine being in any given moment. As long as you are moving in a direction that is closing the gap you can feel joyful.

Take the idea of the ‘Ideal or Higher Self’ and then look at the EGS. You will be able to easily see that the ‘Ideal or Higher Self’ is calling everyone up the scale. Our ‘Ideal or Higher Self’ lives at the high end of the scale, loving and appreciating.

You will also see that the higher you go on the scale the more empowered you feel. The lower you are on the scale the more powerless you feel.

When you feel more empowered you can often see many paths to your goals (which is why science has found that

individuals are more creative and intelligent when they are happier) - their filter has been set with a greater belief in their abilities. Therefore, they see more ways to achieve their goals.

When someone is held down, either by society or their own limiting beliefs the pull

to regain some of their power and to move up the scale gets larger and larger. When the only path(s) that are visible to the individual are ones that society abhors, they will take those paths if and when that pull becomes stronger than any resistance they have to those actions.

At the lower levels often the only path visible that will allow the individual to regain some of their personal power is a path that would never be chosen if they saw another path.

The above point is so important for understanding. Because of the feelings of being powerless the path(s) to regaining some power seem very limited. Perhaps they have tried repeatedly to regain some power in more acceptable ways but have not been understood so they were pushed back down. Over time this would result in a belief that those more socially acceptable paths are not the way because they did not work. As that happens repeatedly the paths that remain open become more appealing. Paths that would never have been considered if the socially acceptable paths had not been blocked begin to seem like the only option. Feelings of desperation begin to work on the individual until they become causative to actions. They do feel relief in those actions even when the consequences can be potentially terrible.

When society begins helping individuals move from feelings of powerlessness to better feeling places, rather than pushing them back down (because they are easier to handle in depression, despair, and helplessness than in anger or revenge) we will see massive positive changes in our crime rates. Eventually we will have the nice problem of trying to figure out what to do with all the excess capacity in our incarceration facilities.

We will see thriving among those who previously were thought to have no hope. We will see the gap for those children who today still seem unable to achieve begin to close as we help them overcome learned helplessness.

We will see massive amounts of post traumatic growth. The individuals who have come from disempowered situations who learn how to manage their own place on the EGS will be huge beneficiaries of post adversarial growth. By their experiences they have created a “Higher Self” that is far greater than the one created by someone who has lived a mild life. When they understand how to move in the direction of closing the gap consistently and deliberately we will be amazed and delighted.

Emotions are literally guidance from one of our senses. The concept of ‘five senses’ is a fallacy. We have far more than five. New research from Harvard, courtesy of the brilliant mind of Katherine Peil, and ten pages of cross disciplinary scientific research cited in her paper, Emotion: A Self-regulatory Sense, demonstrates clearly that our emotions are a sense. In fact, her position is that emotion is our oldest sense and she uses molecular biology and the biophysical processes of living systems to lead us step-by-step through this idea.

Our emotions are output from a hitherto unrecognized sense. In fact, the emotional sense is present even in simple organisms. It appears the function of the basic ‘negative’ emotions are information that helps us keep our bodies safe. The function of the positive emotions is to point us toward self-development and well-being.

The difference between the simple organisms and most humans is that they actually listen to and respond to their emotional sensory output.

Humans, on the other hand, have a tendency to ignore emotions. to suppress them, and to suffer the negative consequences of doing so in lives that are not as robust as they could be.

There is no benefit to us in ignoring the output from our emotional system, it is providing information which will improve our lives if we act upon it appropriately. Ignoring output from the emotional system leads to senseless tragedies.

Ignoring negative emotional output is no different than ignoring pain from our sense of touch. We would not put our hand on a hot stove and notice that our hand was burning and leave it there to continue to burn. When we ignore or suppress negative emotions it is no less harmful to our well-being than leaving a burning hand on a hot stove.

Emotions are information designed to guide us.

Proper Response to Emotions

The best response to most negative emotion in modern society involves ‘Right Responses[E] (RRs). This involves some action or a deliberate and conscious change in mindscape.

In an early version of K. T. Peil’s paper (Global Advances in Health and Medicine, March 2014), she stats “the modern behavior toolkit includes a creative approach response as well as avoidant reactions to emotional distress. When feeling out of balance, we can take flight or fight in defense, or we can capitalize upon our neural endowments, stay in approach mode and correctively “right” the problematic agent, Indeed, the RR should be the first choice reaction and constitute the greatest percentage of all corrective responses. But, if despite such efforts, unacceptable environmental conditions persist over time, then more assertive and aggressive (yet non-hostile) confrontational “fight” responses become appropriate, until finally a “flight” to more habitable and just environments becomes the only viable options. But whether the situation dictates a Right, Flight, or Flight response, the primary objective is to immediately identify and reduce the internal or external environmental conditions that are triggering the distress in order to self-preserve.”

Emotions are guidance and we were never designed to tolerate negative emotions for longer than it takes to complete our corrective action. That is why the many benefits of positivity are coming to light as we study positive emotions. We were designed to feel good. We were also designed to be good, which we are when we feel good.

Societal systems designed to make us feel bad and maintain that negative state are fighting against our very nature. These same systems literally create the very undesired behaviors we want to avoid.

Right Responses can be taught with knowledge and skill to become the default mode of response. Happiness 1st Institute focuses upon doing exactly that in our classes.

Morals and Values

Morals and values do have a place in the structure of things. Someone with a strong moral fiber who is repeatedly pushed to the low end of the EGS may choose options other than violence against others. Suicide is one of the options that can be more palatable to such an individual (slow or fast - in other words drugs and alcohol or those actions we currently call suicide). There are so many variations that influence the path(s) that will become acceptable and there is really no reason to analyze them extensively. Our time is much more productively spent understanding how to help individuals move up the scale where the subject of what path they would choose from a position of powerlessness is irrelevant.

Substance Abuse

In most cases, drugs and alcohol begin as a way to feel better. Individuals who know how to feel good by managing their own place on the EGS tend to drink far less. I have a large social network of such individuals and often vacation with them. Drugs and alcohol are not a big factor in our fun for the vast majority of us. We are high on life.

Drugs and alcohol are a form of self-medication. Whether addiction becomes an issue or not, learning to consciously and deliberately respond appropriately to emotional guidance can help any individual make healthier choices.

Peer Pressure

I can hear protests “What about peer pressure?”. Think about it? Isn’t giving in to peer pressure an attempt to feel better? To feel more accepted? To feel a part of something more?

Emotion can affect decisions about risk-taking in all age groups, not just adolescents, the emotion doesn’t necessarily have to be triggered from the decision situation itself even, for example. if you’re angry about an argument, you might later drive too fast on the highway.[F]

Our emotions provide guidance but what has been happening for a very long time is that the children (who are born knowing how to be joyful) are taught to pay attention to pleasing others instead of following their natural guidance. Parents, teachers, ministers, and peers say “Do this so I will feel better” and because the pressure is intense they eventually begin using others as their barometer about how to behave. This is very problematic if you are trying to please more than one other person and even more problematic if one of those people is inconsistent in what pleases them.

Society has developed a belief that without external guidance our behavior would be unacceptable. Recent findings in positive psychology refute this premise. When individuals are in a positive state they exhibit not only behaviors that society requires as ‘socially acceptable’ but behaviors that go far beyond the minimums with altruism and cooperation increasing substantially when higher levels of positive emotion are present.

Helping children understand that listening to their own emotions is important. We often speak of animals having instincts and humans having intellect. We (humans) do have instincts but we are trained not to listen to them. We all have guidance coming from within and we can hear it when we quiet our minds. What most do not do is listen to it or understand how it communicates. Our minds are powerful and important but our hearts are even more intelligent. The HeartMath Institute conducted a study that showed the heart registered responses in a predictive manner, while the brain responded after the fact to the same stimuli.[G]

Our bodies have great intelligence. We often take them for granted and overlook the intelligence of our bodies. They know how to take a single cell and turn it into a full grown human. From that single cell all the other cells are formed, ones that are eyes and ones that are toe nails. They know how to take nutrients from food and nourish our cells. They know how to regain balance when many undesired elements are introduced. When we listen to our guidance we will also receive information about what our bodies are asking for to maximize our vitality.

Studies are revealing that we make healthier choices when we feel positive emotions.[H]

Make Decisions When you Feel Happy

Education

The first step is to spread the knowledge of how to understand and use our emotional guidance systems for our own benefit and the benefit of others. This must include a deep understanding that helping those who are not behaving in acceptable ways increase their level of positive emotion is the path to their becoming productive and contributing members of society.

Pain Management

So much of medicine treats symptoms. It has been shown repeatedly and conclusively that positive emotion and optimism treat the root cause of both life threatening illnesses including cardiovascular disease, cancer, Type II diabetes, Alzheimer’s as well as illnesses that are usually less threatening such as the common cold and flu.

Positive emotion can also have an immediate impact on pain. Someone who has chronic pain that comes and goes will notice, if they pay attention, that when their emotions are more pleasant their pain decreases. The opposite is also true, the worse the emotional state, the greater the pain. According to Dr. Scott, Chief Nursing Officer of Grady Health Systems in Atlanta, Georgia, they noticed this when they became cognizant that requests for pain medicine decreased during afternoon football games prompting the hospital to add ESPN to the channels available to patients[I].

Science has come a long way in proving the many benefits of happiness over the past two decades but they have not come close to understanding the potential impact on human thriving that is possible. This will be realized when the topic of this paper has become common knowledge.

We are on the brink of seeing the dreams of many generations become reality. Let’s go.

Jeanine Joy’s upcoming book, Stress Kills: Happiness Heals will provide a clear path to the vision explored in this White Paper. Watch for it in book stores in the autumn of 2014.

Please consider sharing this with your friends and family. You never know who you may help by passing it on. It is a random act of kindness that will ripple outward. This information is too important to move forward at the speed of science - Pass it on and help create a better world sooner.

[A] See: Emotion: A Self-Regulatory Sense, K.T.Peil

[B] Each individual has an emotional set point on each topic. For example, emotional set point about Mother may be different on topic of money than set point on topic of food and so on. However, people tend to live in the same emotional range across a variety of topics.

[C] See separate list of processes.

[D] University of California - David (2001, August 22). Happiness can deter crime, a new study finds. ScienceDaily. Retrieved April 27, 2012, from http://www.sciencedily.com/releases/2011/08/110822091859.htm

[E] See: Emotion: A Self-Regulatory Sense (www.emotionalsentience.com) by K. T. Peil, Harvard, 2012

[F] Association for Psychological Science (2011, July 27). Who takes risks?

[G] Rollin, McCraty, Mike Atkinson, and Raymond T. Bradley, “Electrophysiological Evidence of Intuition. Part 1: The Surprising Role of the Heart,” Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine 10(1) (2004), pp. 133 - 143

[H] The Heart’s Content: The Association between Positive Psychological Well-Being and Cardiovascular Health,” Julia K. Boehm and Laura D. Kubzansky, Psychological Bulletin, online April 17, 2012, Published by the American Psychological Association, Department of Society, Human Development, and Health at Harvard School of Public Health

This publication contains general information only and is based on the experiences and research of Happiness 1st Institute. Happiness 1st Institute is not, by means of this publication, rendering business, financial, investment, or other professional advice or services. This publication is not a substitute for such professional advice or services, nor should it be used as a basis for any decision or action that may affect your business Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your business, you should consult a qualified professional.. Happiness 1st Institute, its affiliates, and related entities shall not be responsible for any loss sustained by any person who relies on this publication.

© 2012-2014 Jeanine Joy All rights reserved.

[I] Wall Street Journal, October 15, 2012


Benefits, Blogs, Parenting, Peace

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Some of the Scientifically Proven Benefits of Happiness

July 25, 20140

Some of the Scientifically Proven Benefits of Happiness

The benefits of increased positive emotions, optimism and happiness extend to all areas of life.

Scientists in many fields have been working, primarily in the past 20 years, on discovering the benefits of happiness. The results have been conclusive and surprising.

Positive emotions, optimism and happiness have positive impacts on health, well-being, relationships, emotional intelligence, creativity, cognitive ability, decision-making, resilience, substance abuse, crime, teen pregnancy, imune system function, and of course, depression.

Some Scientifically Shown Benefits of Increased Happiness

Positive emotions, optimism, and happiness have been scientifically shown to:

· Reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease by 50%[i]

· Provide a protective defense against breast cancer[ii]

· Increase resilience “We contend that the cognitive broadening that accompanies states of positive emotion expands and improves the ways people cope during crises”. [iii]

· Increase problem solving abilities and negotiating skills[iv]

· Have the potential to create chains of events that carry positive meaning for others, positive emotions can trigger upward spirals that transform communities into more cohesive, moral and harmonious social organizations. [v]

· Reduce stress which is being researched as contributing to Alzheimer’s disease[vi] and [vii]

· Be the best coping strategies for life’s ‘downs’. [viii]

· Significantly reduces risk of stroke (study only considered optimism)[ix]

· Improved relationships of all types[x]

· Increase success[xi]

· Research suggests that negativity in social relationships is an important predictor

· of (adverse) mental health in its own right[xii]

 

This is just a sample of the scientifically proven benefits. Research has found enough benefits to fill several books. I apologize for the copious citations but I wanted you to see that the statements are based upon solid research.

• Improved immune system function

• Reduced risk of heart disease and stroke

• Reduced risk of Type II diabetes

• Reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease

• Reduced risk of depression

• Reduced incident of illness

• Shorter duration when illness occurs

• Reduced inflammatory response to stress

• Increased longevity

• Lower blood pressure

• Less pain

• Improved sleep

• Greater resiliency and adaptability

• More likely to make good choices

• Increased creativity

• Increased success

• Increased productivity

• Increased optimism

• Improved relationships of all types

• Improved social support networks

• Feel love and appreciation more

• More likely to marry

• More likely to be happily married

• Become more likable

• Greater clarity of thinking; the mind sees more possibilities

• Increased ability to see the ‘big picture’

All of our course offerings provide health and well-being benefits

Citations and greater details are in programs and books by Jeanine Joy available on Amazon and other fine book sellers.

 

[i]Boehm, J. K. , & Kubzansky, L. D. The heart’s content: The association between positive psychological well-being and cardiovascular health. Psychological Bulletin, April 2012

AmericanAcademyof Neurology (2001, July 13). Keeping up your overall health may keep dementia away, study suggests. Science Daily

Cardiovascular disease is a risk factor for Alzheimer’s so this risk is also reduced. AmericanAcademyof Neurology (2001, July 13). Keeping up your overall health may keep dementia away, study suggests. Science Daily.

[ii]Ronit Peled, Devora Carmil, Orly Siboni-Samocha and Ilana Shoham-Vardi. Breast cancer, psychological distress and life events among young women. BMC Cancer

[iii]What good are positive emotions in crisis? A prospective study of resilience and emotions following the terrorist attacks on the United States on September 11th, 2001. Fredrickson, Barbara L. ; Tugade, Michele M. ; Waugh, Christian E. ; Larkin, Gregory R. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, Vol 84(2), Feb 2003, 365-376. doi: 10. 1037/0022-3514. 84. 2. 365

[iv]Content analyses revealed that physicians who felt good were faster to integrate case information and less likely to become anchored on initial thoughts or come to premature closure in their diagnosis. In yet another experiment, Isen and colleagues showed that negotiators induced to feel good were more likely to discover integrative solutions in a complex bargaining task. Overall, 20 years of experiments by

Isen and her colleagues show that when people feel good, their thinking becomes more creative, integrative, flexible and open to information. The Value of Positive Emotions. Barbara L. Fredrickson, Ph. D.

[v]The Value of Positive Emotions. Barbara L. Fredrickson, Ph. D.

[vi]Ioannis Sotiropoulos, Caterina Catania, Lucilia G. Pinto, Rui Silva, G. Elizabeth Pollerberg, Akihiko Takashima, Nuno Sousa, and Osborne F. X. Almeida. Stress Acts Cumulatively to Precipitate Alzheimer’s Disease-Like Tau Pathology and Cognitive Deficits. Journal of Neuroscience, May 25, 2011; 31(21):7840-7847 DOI:10. 1523/JNEUROSCI. 0730-11. 2011

[vii]Robert A. Rissman, PhD, assistant professor of neurosciences, said the findings may at least partly explain why clinical studies have found a strong link between people prone to stress and development of sporadic Alzheimer’s disease (AD), which accounts for up to 95 percent of all AD cases in humans. Robert A. Rissman, Michael A. Staup, Allyson Roe Lee, Nicholas J. Justice, Kenner C. Rice, Wylie Vale, and Paul E. Sawchenko. Corticotropin-releasing factor receptor-dependent effects of repeated stress on tau phosphorylation, solubility, and aggregation. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 2012 DOI: 10. 1073/pnas. 1203140109


Benefits, Science

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An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure

July 12, 20142

 

Politicians are you paying attention? Do you really have the well-being of the people in mind? Then pay attention-we know what we need to know to solve most of the problems on the agenda. Let’s stop treating symptoms and solve them at the root cause level.

This is an excerpt from the North Carolina 2012 Research Divisions (for the NC House and NC Senate) that I felt could be beneficially impacted by knowledge and skills training in positivity, optimism, stress reduction, and happiness based on the current state of the knowledge base contributed to by many branches of science including positive psychology, biochemistry, neuroscience, epigenetics, psychoimmunology, and many more.

Federal legislators and the Surgeon General are also ignoring these potential benefits. Why? Is it a case of following the money to see the real motivation?

Do we need a grass roots effort to demand that state of the art knowledge be put toward solving problems?

These benefits P R E V E N T illnesses and societal problems - not just address symptoms. There is no reason to wait!

 

  • The category is listed first.
  • The individuals assigned are listed second.
  • The third aspect are statements (not exhaustive) of the benefits science has demonstrated would be attributed to that area with the implementation of training in increased positivity, optimism and happiness.

 

The comments are made by Jeanine Broderick, President of Happiness 1st. This is based on many years of research across many scientific disciplines fueled by passion for learning everything possible about the benefits of positivity to individuals, their families, their employers and their communities.

 

I was writing to all the NC elected representatives and came across this listing. I felt inspired by the numbers of areas that have potential to be beneficially impacted.

There is solid science behind the statements made.

 

2012

A

Abortion Shawn Parker, Amy Jo Johnson,

Janice Paul, Kelly Quick

Reduces Teen Pregnancy and repeat teen pregnancy

 

Adult Care Homes Theresa Matula, Sara Kamprath,

Susan Barham

End of life debilitating diseases onset is later and closer to death

Adult Day Care Theresa Matula, Sara Kamprath,

Susan Barham

End of life debilitating diseases onset is later and closer to death

 

Aging Theresa Matula, Sara Kamprath,

Susan Barham

End of life debilitating diseases onset is later and closer to death

Studies show that attitude about aging has tremendous impact; positive outcomes can be greatly increased.

 

AIDS Shawn Parker, Amy Jo Johnson

Improves decision-making

 

Alcohol Abuse Shawn Parker, Janice Paul, Susan Barham

Reduces substance abuse

Often feeling unhappy is a strong factor in onset

 

Assisted Living Theresa Matula, Sara Kamprath,

Susan Barham

End of life debilitating diseases onset is later and closer to death

B

C

 

Child Abuse & Neglect Drupti Chauhan, Janice Paul,

Susan Barham, Kelly Quick

Reduces substance abuse

Improves relationships of all types

Improves ability to think

Stress reduction skills can help avoid reaching that crisis point

 

Children, Family & Marriage Wendy Ray, Drupti Chauhan, Janice Paul,

Kelly Quick

Improves relationships of all types

More harmonious relationships

Increases stability

Reduces marriage for wrong reasons

Make earlier course corrections - with knowledge and skills

Colleges Drupti Chauhan, Kara McCraw,

Sara Kamprath, Patsy Pierce, Dee Atkinson

Depression is rampant among college students

  • reduces substance abuse
  • reduces ‘comfort’ sexual encounters
  • increases true self-esteem
  • Reduces teen pregnancy

Suicide is a major problem in this age group - would reduce it

Increases emotional intelligence

Increases IQ

Community Colleges Kara McCraw, Drupti Chauhan,

Sara Kamprath, Patsy Pierce, Dee Atkinson

Depression is rampant among college students

  • reduces substance abuse
  • reduces ‘comfort’ sexual encounters
  • increases true self-esteem
  • Reduces teen pregnancy

Suicide is a major problem in this age group - would reduce it

Increases emotional intelligence

Increases IQ

 

Corrections Brenda Carter, Susan Sitze, Hal Pell,

Kelly Quick

Strongly believe it would reduce recidivism - would like to study

D

 

Disabled Persons Shawn Parker, Susan Barham,

Amy Jo Johnson, Patsy Pierce

There are many incidents of positivity improving ability beyond where physicians believed they could go

Helps with depression

 

Discrimination Hal Pell, Brad Krehely, Kara McCraw,

Amy Jo Johnson, Kelly Quick

There is discrimination in the world but there is also perceived discrimination when it does not exist and both are damaging to living harmoniously as a society. Helps with both types as increased positivity has been shown to reduce racism.

 

Diseases Shawn Parker, Amy Jo Johnson, Susan Barham

50% risk reduction in cardiovascular disease (Harvard Meta-Analysis)

One skill has been shown to reduce death, disability and stroke in those who already have heart disease

Provides preventative effect on cancers studied (including breast cancer)

Reduces risk of Type II diabetes

Reduces depression and chronic depression

Reduces impact of negative life events (which typically increase risk of disease & death)

Shown to have a positive impact on Alzheimer’s

Positive impact on stroke

 

Divorce

Wendy Ray, Janice Paul

Improves relationships of all types

More harmonious relationships

Increases stability

Reduces marriage for wrong reasons

Make earlier course corrections - with knowledge and skills

 

Domestic Violence Hal Pell, Wendy Ray, Susan Sitze, Janice Paul, Susan Barham

Improves relationships of all types

More harmonious relationships

Increases stability

Reduces marriage for wrong reasons

Make earlier course corrections - with knowledge and skills

 

Drugs – Crime Hal Pell, Wendy Ray, Susan Sitze,

Kelly Quick

Reduces substance abuse

Often feeling unhappy is a strong factor in onset

 

Drugs – Pharmaceutical Shawn Parker, Barbara Riley,

Susan Barham, Amy Jo Johnson

There are a number of drugs where the placebo effect is almost as beneficial as the strong drug (that comes with side effects). Positivity can be nurtured to gain benefits from the same mechanisms that provide placebo effect deliberately

 

Drunk Driving, DUI & DWI Susan Sitze, Hal Pell, Brenda Carter

Reduces substance abuse

Improves decision making abilities

Provides skills and knowledge to deal with life stressors without need to medicate with alcohol

E

 

Econ. Dev. Incentives, JSC Cindy Avrette, Trina Griffin,

Heather Fennell, Greg Roney, Judy Collier

It would be nice to have some incentives to adopt these practices as employee benefits. The science is sound and the business benefits are robust but getting businesses to listen and understand the benefits is an uphill battle right now. Happiness has a reputation as ‘fluffy’ and something you chase, not attain. Creating case analysis would increase natural adoption of beneficial programs because the benefits include: decreased absenteeism, increased productivity, decreased turnover, increased mental ability, increased creativity, decreased health care costs, less bickering in the office and more.

 

Economic Development Cindy Avrette, Trina Griffin,

Heather Fennell, Greg Roney, Judy Collier

Adoption of programs could give businesses a competitive edge coming out of the recovery.

Education Drupti Chauhan, Kara McCraw, Sara Kamprath, Patsy Pierce, Dee Atkinson

Emotional self-mastery and understanding of emotions will help children thrive at all ages.

I believe that the ones I read about (at the bottom) who can’t seem to improve no matter how many resources are thrown at them are often suffering from “Learned Helplessness” which is a state of mind where they just do not believe their actions matter. It is possible to unlearn “Learned Helplessness” and a program to do this (both for children and adults) would, I believe, result in thriving like you’ve never imagined in areas previously thought hopeless.

 

Elderly Theresa Matula, Sara Kamprath, Susan Barham

End of life debilitating diseases onset is later and closer to death

Studies show that attitude about aging has tremendous impact; positive outcomes can be greatly increased.

 

Emergency Management (Resilience) Barbara Riley, Janice Paul, Kelly Quick

Resilience increases so the ability to rebound after an emergency and function well would be improved.

 

Employee Benefits Theresa Matula, Karen Cochrane-Brown,

Brad Krehely

Until everyone is learning this in school providing it as an employee benefit is a good way to help those who have completed their schooling. Providing tax advantages for employers to offer the courses would be beneficial. For example, considering it a health care expense that employers can write off. I do not believe we can make it eligible for flex benefits or HSA accounts at the state level but that would also be fantastic.

 

Environmental Health Jennifer Mundt, Jeffrey Hudson,

Jennifer McGinnis, Mariah Matheson

Why does one person get sick and another not when exposed to the same environmental toxins? The level of positivity plays a part with positivity providing some protections. The science showing that the immune system functions better when someone is positively focused, optimistic and happy is strong and clear.

 

Eugenics Denise Huntley Adams, Susan Barham, Janice Paul

There is clear evidence that a positive environment has a beneficial impact on future generations (out up to 8 generations in the research I have seen on rats) but even more importantly, there is science showing negative impact on the next generation from depressed Moms-to-be including adverse impact on behavior, sleep patters, and increased incidence of asthma and depression in the offspring.

Epigenetics is a rapidly advancing science and the newest findings demonstrate the benefits of being positively focused.

 

F

Families Drupti Chauhan, Wendy Ray, Janice Paul,

Patsy Pierce, Kelly Quick

Improves relationships of all types

More harmonious relationships

Increases stability

Reduces marriage for wrong reasons

Make earlier course corrections - with knowledge and skills

 

 

Federal Health Care Reform Shawn Parker, Amy Jo Johnson

I was gravely disappointed that the National Prevention Council Action Plan: Implementing the National Prevention Strategy did not include taking advantage of the knowledge that exists regarding the impact of positive emotions on prevention across the board. I would be happy to participate in developing programs and recommendations to bring the advantages and known benefits of increased optimism to North Carolina. On the bright side, this affords the state of North Carolina to be a leader in this change.

 

Food Stamps Shawn Parker, Susan Barham, Janice Paul

Poverty is impacted by many factors that improve with the knowledge and skills including self-esteem, overcoming Learned Helplessness, re-framing failures as learning experiences and more.

The program makes individuals feel more empowered and thus more likely to take positive actions under their own volition.

 

Foreclosure Karen Cochrane-Brown, Bill Patterson, Greg Roney, Janice Paul, Drupti Chauhan

Poverty is impacted by many factors that improve with the knowledge and skills including self-esteem, overcoming Learned Helplessness, re-framing failures as learning experiences and more.

The program makes individuals feel more empowered and thus more likely to take positive actions under their own volition.

Financial woes are currently made worse by some of the practices of the lenders. They will often have the delinquent customer rehash the reasons for their late payments over and over again. This focus further depletes their resilience and makes them feel even more of a failure which then becomes a self-fulfilling prophesy. As Henry Ford said “If you believe you can, you can. If you believe you can’t, you can’t. Either way you are right. ” Reviewing practices that tend to further deplete the resilience and emotional resources of someone who is already struggling and making modifications that will help them recover instead of furthering the misery would be beneficial to both sides.

 

Freedom of Press Kara McCraw, Brad Krehely

I believe in a free press but right now the press is actually very damaging to our society. They focus upon negative events and circumstances. They do not inform (if they wanted to inform them would tell us when things were fixed, resolved, etc. ) They sensationalize.

I attended a class by Dr. Robert Holden in NYC last November and my Mom was worried sick because I stayed in Times Square and the news reported that Times Square had been taken over by Occupy Wall Street. My parents who diligently watch TV daily for hours to ‘be informed” believed, from the reports, that I was in a virtual war zone. I not only walked several blocks from my hotel to the class every day but also walked at night and never felt frightened nor did I see evidence of Occupy. The news had clearly reported an erroneous picture of the true situation, one much worse than it actually was.

They are doing the same thing with Greece and Spain. I have been asking those I meet who have been there recently about conditions because, once again, my Mom is quite frightened by the reports knowing that I am going there soon. Everyone I have spoken with has enjoyed good experiences and not been frightened.

I do not watch television. I turned it off in 1995 because the characters were people I would ask to leave if they were physically in my home. Sometimes I go to a friends home and the news is on. It can make me physically ill to listen to it in a few minutes.

There is so much good and wonderful in our world. If the news was reported proportionately good and bad the bad news would last less than 1 minute in each 24 hours. With the evidence we already have about the negative impact of this and the number of televisions that are on in most homes the negative impact is astronomical in terms of health care costs and illness. I would like to see public service announcements educating people about the benefits of positivity, optimism, and happiness. I would like to see a requirement that for every so much airtime of negative news, during the same show, a public service announcement made.

We have a Surgeon General Warning on cigarettes yet smoking only takes an average of 7 years off a life. Negativity takes 10 years.

Negativity also has a negative impact on our offspring.

Negativity has a detrimental impact on our success, our health, and our relationships.

 

G

 

Genetics Amy Jo Johnson, Susan Barham

See comments above re: eugenetics

 

Grandparents Wendy Ray, Janice Paul

Studies show that positively focused individuals maintain better relationships with their families because family members are more motivated to spend time with them.

 

H

 

 

H. Commerce Sub. on Science and Technology

Bill Patterson, Greg Roney

More studies need to be commissioned. It is time to take the vast knowledge and create programs to benefit society and study the results so that tweaks can be made.

 

H. Education Sara Kamprath, Drupti Chauhan,

Kara McCraw, Patsy Pierce, Dee Atkinson

Right now the only positive psychology program in the country (for a doctorate) is at Penn State. There are scientists who actually believe that understanding emotional self-mastery will eliminate many of the mental health diseases that currently exist. They are seeing the correlation between not properly addressing negative emotions when they occur and developing those illnesses. Understanding the benefits of positivity even further and across disciplines (many fields of science are contributing to the research including neuroscience, biochemistry, psychology, quantum physics, and more.

 

H. Health and Human Services Shawn Parker, Amy Jo Johnson,

Barbara Riley, Janice Paul, Susan Barham

Many of the chronic issues can be resolved using the knowledge and skills already developed.

 

H. Military and Homeland Security Hal Pell, Tim Hovis

What is the difference between post adversarial growth and PTSD? Often it is mental state and having either knowledge and skills to deal with the trauma or following instinctive ideas that lead one to post traumatic growth instead of PTSD.

 

Health Shawn Parker, Amy Jo Johnson, Susan Barham

Some Scientifically Shown Benefits of Increased Happiness

Positive emotions, optimism, and happiness have been scientifically shown to:

 

  • Reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease by 50%[i]
  • Provide a protective defense against breast cancer[ii]
  • Increase resilience “We contend that the cognitive broadening that accompanies states of positive emotion expands and improves the ways people cope during crises”. [iii]
  • Increase problem solving abilities and negotiating skills[iv]
  • Have the potential to create chains of events that carry positive meaning for others, positive emotions can trigger upward spirals that transform communities into more cohesive, moral and harmonious social organizations. [v]
  • Reduce stress which is being researched as contributing to Alzheimer’s disease[vi] and [vii]
  • Be the best coping strategies for life’s ‘downs’. [viii]
  • Significantly reduces risk of stroke (study only considered optimism)[ix]
  • Improved relationships of all types[x]
  • Increase success[xi]
  • Research suggests that negativity in social relationships is an important predictor
  • of (adverse) mental health in its own right[xii]

 

This is just a sample of the scientifically proven benefits. Research has found enough benefits to fill several books. I apologize for the copious citations but I wanted you to see that the statements are based upon solid research.

 

 

• Improved immune system function

• Reduced risk of heart disease and stroke

• Reduced risk of Type II diabetes

• Reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease

• Reduced risk of depression

• Reduced incident of illness

• Shorter duration when illness occurs

• Reduced inflammatory response to stress

• Increased longevity

• Lower blood pressure

• Less pain

• Improved sleep

• Greater resiliency and adaptability

• More likely to make good choices

• Increased creativity

• Increased success

• Increased productivity

• Increased optimism

• Improved relationships of all types

• Improved social support networks

• Feel love and appreciation more

• More likely to marry

• More likely to be happily married

• Become more likable

• Greater clarity of thinking; the mind sees more possibilities

• Increased ability to see the ‘big picture’

 

Please see our website, www. Happiness1st. com, for greater details.

Scientific Citations

[1]Boehm, J. K. , & Kubzansky, L. D. The heart’s content: The association between positive psychological well-being and cardiovascular health. Psychological Bulletin, April 2012

AmericanAcademyof Neurology (2001, July 13). Keeping up your overall health may keep dementia away, study suggests. Science Daily.

  • Cardiovascular disease is a risk factor for Alzheimer’s so this risk is also reduced. AmericanAcademyof Neurology (2001, July 13). Keeping up your overall health may keep dementia away, study suggests. Science Daily.

 

[1]Ronit Peled, Devora Carmil, Orly Siboni-Samocha and Ilana Shoham-Vardi. Breast cancer, psychological distress and life events among young women. BMC Cancer

[1]What good are positive emotions in crisis? A prospective study of resilience and emotions following the terrorist attacks on the United States on September 11th, 2001. Fredrickson, Barbara L. ; Tugade, Michele M. ; Waugh, Christian E. ; Larkin, Gregory R. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, Vol 84(2), Feb 2003, 365-376. doi: 10. 1037/0022-3514. 84. 2. 365

[1]Content analyses revealed that physicians who felt good were faster to integrate case information and less likely to become anchored on initial thoughts or come to premature closure in their diagnosis. In yet another experiment, Isen and colleagues showed that negotiators induced to feel good were more likely to discover integrative solutions in a complex bargaining task. Overall, 20 years of experiments by

Isen and her colleagues show that when people feel good, their thinking becomes more creative, integrative, flexible and open to information. The Value of Positive Emotions. Barbara L. Fredrickson, Ph. D.

[1]The Value of Positive Emotions. Barbara L. Fredrickson, Ph. D.

[1]Ioannis Sotiropoulos, Caterina Catania, Lucilia G. Pinto, Rui Silva, G. Elizabeth Pollerberg, Akihiko Takashima, Nuno Sousa, and Osborne F. X. Almeida. Stress Acts Cumulatively to Precipitate Alzheimer’s Disease-Like Tau Pathology and Cognitive Deficits. Journal of Neuroscience, May 25, 2011; 31(21):7840-7847 DOI:10. 1523/JNEUROSCI. 0730-11. 2011

[1]Robert A. Rissman, PhD, assistant professor of neurosciences, said the findings may at least partly explain why clinical studies have found a strong link between people prone to stress and development of sporadic Alzheimer’s disease (AD), which accounts for up to 95 percent of all AD cases in humans. Robert A. Rissman, Michael A. Staup, Allyson Roe Lee, Nicholas J. Justice, Kenner C. Rice, Wylie Vale, and Paul E. Sawchenko. Corticotropin-releasing factor receptor-dependent effects of repeated stress on tau phosphorylation, solubility, and aggregation. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 2012 DOI: 10. 1073/pnas. 1203140109

[1]Joachim Stoeber and Dirk P. Janssen. Perfectionism and coping with daily failures: positive reframing helps achieve satisfaction at the end of the day. Anxiety, Stress & Coping, 2011

[1]Eric S. Kim, Nansook Park, Christopher Peterson. Health and Retirement Study. Stroke, 2011; DOI:10. 1161/STROKEAHA. 111. 613448

[1]Relationships have been linked to lower blood pressure, better immune functioning and decreases in the length of hospitalizations, the authors write, citing previous studies. Social contact has also been linked to oxytocin, the bonding hormone, which regulates stress. This is excerpted from a study by Prof. Holt-Lunstad who co-authored a large-scale report on mortality and social relationships, which was released on July 2010 and published in journal PLoS Medicine. The report looks at 148 studies involving 308,849 people. The average age was 64. The participants were evenly split between the sexes, and followed for an average of 7. 5 years. They found close relationships correlated to 3. 7 more years of life. Conversely, a relative lack of social ties is associated with depression and later-life cognitive decline, as well as with increased mortality. One study, which examined data from more than 309,000 people, found that lack of strong relationships increased the risk of premature death from all causes by 50% — an effect on mortality risk roughly comparable to smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day, and greater than obesity and physical inactivity.

[1]” A decade of research in the business world proves that happiness raises nearly every business and educational outcome: raising sales by 37%, productivity by 31%, and accuracy on tasks by 19%, as well as a myriad of health and quality-of-life improvements” Shawn Achor, Former Harvard Professor and author of The Happiness Advantage.

[1]Rook, 1984; Sandler & Barrera, 1984

 

Health Care Providers Shawn Parker, Amy Jo Johnson, Susan Barham

The power of expectation has been shown time and again in so many ways books have been written about it. It is evident in Placebo and Nocebo effect as well as many other areas of life.

Health Care Providers today expect certain illnesses to develop at specific ages and communicate this to their patients. Ophthalmologists expect eyesight to decline by a certain age and communicate this to their patients. Expectation plays a role in developing illnesses and aging. There are many studies that reflect the impact of expectation on aging.

I personally had reading glasses on every flat surface in my life at age 47. Until I realized I ‘expected’ to need them at age 47 and called the bluff. Within two weeks of changing my expectation I no longer needed the reading glass and now, going on four years later still do not need them. Cell degeneration is not necessary at the rate our society experiences it. The combination of expectation and negative emotion play a tremendous role in our actual experiences.

I am happy to sign a release for anyone who would like to see my ophthalmologists records to verify the initial decline in my sight and subsequent improvement.

Many people have physicians on a pedestal and when the doctor tells them that they are morel likely to develop an illness a nocebo effect often occurs with harmful results.

 

Health Insurance Tim Hovis, Bill Patterson, Kory Goldsmith, Amy Jo Johnson, Susan Barham

Perhaps premium discounts for positivity training?

 

Housing - Public Housing & Section 8 Brad Krehely

Poverty is impacted by many factors that improve with the knowledge and skills including self-esteem, overcoming Learned Helplessness, re-framing failures as learning experiences and more.

The program makes individuals feel more empowered and thus more likely to take positive actions under their own volition.

Also, positivity decreases substance abuse, crime and teen pregnancy

 

Human Services Shawn Parker, Susan Barham, Janice Paul

Not sure but seems applicable

I

 

Insurance, Life & Health Tim Hovis, Bill Patterson, Kory Goldsmith, Amy Jo Johnson, Susan Barham

See Health Insurance above

In time I am sure actuaries will want to consider positivity in ratings for life insurance and possibly health insurance. Implications of that should be considered.

 

J

 

Juvenile Delinquency Susan Sitze, Janice Paul, Kelly Quick

Reduces substance abuse

Reduces crime

Improves relationships

Increases SAT scores

Increases self-esteem

Improves decision making ability

Helps see alternate (more acceptable) paths to personal goals

L

 

Law Enforcement Officers Susan Sitze, Brenda Carter, Hal Pell,

Erika Churchill, Kelly Quick

Law enforcement officers are at risk because of the often negative experiences and focus (thinking about negative things like crime, dealing with fighting, etc. ). The high divorce rate for this job category is impacted by the negativity. For this type of job related risk it is very beneficial to have skills and knowledge that allow a shift in focus from looking for problems to a better state of mind before interaction with family and friends. Taking the ‘problem focused’ mindset home results in looking for the negative aspects of your spouse and family which is not a recipe for harmony in the home.

 

Long Term Care Theresa Matula, Sara Kamprath,

Susan Barham

End of life debilitating diseases onset is later and closer to death

 

M

 

Malpractice Bill Patterson, Barbara Riley, Tim Hovis

Malpractice claims are negatively impacted by negative patterns of thought. Nurses that have frequent interaction with pre-surgical patients will relay that fearful patients are the ones that have the complications and that after a while they get to the point where there are certain patients to whom they want to say “Don’t do it” because the patients negative expectations are going to negatively impact the recovery and benefits of the surgery.

 

I see a time when a psychological evaluation will be used pre-surgery to determine whether the patient is ready to benefit fully from the treatment. Counseling before the surgery to change mindset and create a more positive outlook would help reduce complications that result in suits.

 

Also, a negative focus will increase the likelihood of someone filing a claim because a person with a negative focus is more likely to blame someone else than accept any personal responsibility for self.

 

Managed Care (HMOs) Tim Hovis, Kory Goldsmith,

Bill Patterson, Amy Jo Johnson

I am sure there are impacts.

 

Marriage Wendy Ray, Janice Paul

Improves relationships of all types

More harmonious relationships

Increases stability

Reduces marriage for wrong reasons

Make earlier course corrections - with knowledge and skills

 

 

Medicaid Shawn Parker, Susan Barham,

Amy Jo Johnson, Janice Paul

See health

See Food Stamps

 

Medicare Theresa Matula, Susan Barham

See aging

See Nursing home

 

Mental Health Shawn Parker, Susan Barham, Janice Paul

There are scientists who actually believe that understanding emotional self-mastery will eliminate many of the mental health diseases that currently exist. They are seeing the correlation between not properly addressing negative emotions when they occur and developing those illnesses. Understanding the benefits of positivity even further and across disciplines (many fields of science are contributing to the research including neuroscience, biochemistry, psychology, quantum physics, and more.

 

Military Hal Pell, Theresa Matula, Kelly Quick

What is the difference between post adversarial growth and PTSD? Often it is mental state and having either knowledge and skills to deal with the trauma or following instinctive ideas that lead one to post traumatic growth instead of PTSD.

 

Minorities Hal Pell, Brad Krehely, Kelly Quick

Many impacts.

See discrimination.

Believe would help equalize disparate income detrimental health and mortality impact.

If incomes relatively equal (eg 50 - 60,000) in a community health and longevity are better for those in that income range than others in a community where incomes have a wider range but same cost of living (e. g. 50 - 120,000). The same cost of living negates a lack of access to care for one group and not the other. However, the negativity that people self impose through negative comparisons to others correlates perfectly. It is the negativity, not the income, that causes the negative impact. In areas with disparate incomes the training can raise positive emotions (“If they can do it so can I”, instead of “Why can’t I do it; they did it” and so forth thought processes). The more empowering thoughts are healthier.

 

Minors Susan Sitze, Wendy Ray, Janice Paul

Improve emotional self-mastery

Improve family relationships

Increase intelligence

Decrease teen pregnancy

Much more

 

More At Four Drupti Chauhan, Patsy Pierce,

Sara Kamprath, Kara McCraw, Dee Atkinson

Not sure what this is but am sure it is relative.

 

Nursing Homes Theresa Matula, Sara Kamprath,

Susan Barham

End of life debilitating diseases onset is later and closer to death

 

O

 

Occupational Licensing Boards Karen Cochrane-Brown, Shawn Parker,

Harrison Moore

I would like to see standards. Perhaps reviews like CE credits are reviewed to establish minimums.

In the securities and insurance industries we were plagued by individuals who attended weekend shops and “earned” a credential that lay persons would believe established them as an “expert” - in elder care, in divorce or pre-marital financial counseling, in as many diverse specialties as could be imagined. FINRA (rightly) out and out outlawed the use of some of these “designations” because of lack of substance.

An organization has been created (it is in its infancy) but it has the goal of setting the bar for training, including minimum requirements for professional designations which would include CE requirements.

Historically, many fields are damaged (reputation) by early comers who do not truly have the knowledge or expertise but the lack of regulation allows their entry.

I would like to see this important field, that impacts so many areas of well-being, addressed sooner rather than later.

The potential benefits are so great but individuals whose first encounter is with an unqualified individual passing themselves as qualified and credentialed could turn someone away forever even when there are truly great benefits for them.

For further ideas on this please see the website, www. TheISHP. org

 

P

Parental Control Drupti Chauhan, Janice Paul

I am not sure what this category is but parent/child relations are definitely impacted by the emotional state of both.

 

Parks & Recreation Jennifer McGinnis, Jennifer Mundt,

Jeffrey Hudson, Mariah Matheson

Programs that help children master their emotions would be beneficial

 

Police Susan Sitze, Brenda Carter, Hal Pell,

Kelly Quick

Law enforcement officers are at risk because of the often negative experiences and focus (thinking about negative things like crime, dealing with fighting, etc. ). The high divorce rate for this job category is impacted by the negativity. For this type of job related risk it is very beneficial to have skills and knowledge that allow a shift in focus from looking for problems to a better state of mind before interaction with family and friends. Taking the ‘problem focused’ mindset home results in looking for the negative aspects of your spouse and family which is not a recipe for harmony in the home.

What is the difference between post adversarial growth and PTSD? Often it is mental state and having either knowledge and skills to deal with the trauma or following instinctive ideas that lead one to post traumatic growth instead of PTSD.

 

Preschools Drupti Chauhan, Sara Kamprath, Kara McCraw, Patsy Pierce, Dee Atkinson

It is never too early to begin teaching emotional self-mastery

 

Prisons Brenda Carter, Hal Pell, Susan Sitze, Kelly Quick

Strongly believe it would reduce recidivism - would like to study

 

Probation Hal Pell, Susan Sitze

Strongly believe it would reduce recidivism - would like to study

 

Public Assistance Shawn Parker, Susan Barham, Janice Paul

Poverty is impacted by many factors that improve with the knowledge and skills including self-esteem, overcoming Learned Helplessness, re-framing failures as learning experiences and more.

The program makes individuals feel more empowered and thus more likely to take positive actions under their own volition.

 

Public Health Shawn Parker, Barbara Riley, Susan Barham, Amy Jo Johnson, Jennifer Mundt

See Health

 

S. Ed/Higher Ed Drupti Chauhan, Sara Kamprath, Kara McCraw, Patsy Pierce, Dee Atkinson

Depression is rampant among college students

  • reduces substance abuse
  • reduces ‘comfort’ sexual encounters
  • increases true self-esteem
  • Reduces teen pregnancy

Suicide is a major problem in this age group - would reduce it

Increases emotional intelligence

Increases IQ

 

S. Health Care Shawn Parker, Theresa Matula,

Amy Jo Johnson, Susan Barham

See Health

 

S. Insurance Tim Hovis, Amy Jo Johnson,

Kory Goldsmith

See Insurance

 

 

S. Mental Health & Youth Services Shawn Parker, Patsy Pierce, Janice Paul,

Susan Barham

See Mental Health and Minors

 

Schools Drupti Chauhan, Kara McCraw,

Sara Kamprath, Dee Atkinson, Patsy Pierce

See schools

 

Sex Crimes Hal Pell, Wendy Ray, Susan Sitze,

Kelly Quick

Emotional self-mastery and higher self esteem would help; especially with the crimes committed by those who were once victims

 

Sexual Harassment Hal Pell, Susan Sitze, Brad Krehely

While there is real sexual harassment there is also perceived sexual harassment that interferes with ease in relationship of co-workers. Negative emotional states increase the likelihood that innocent comments will be perceived as threatening. That is why an action or comment is barely (or not) remembered by one person and vivid to another.

Increased positivity would reduce the perception of harassment where it does not exist but would not overlook real situations that require attention.

 

Sheriffs Susan Sitze, Kelly Quick, Erika Churchill

See Law Enforcement

 

Smart Start Drupti Chauhan, Patsy Pierce, Sara Kamprath, Kara McCraw, Dee Atkinson

See pre-school

 

Smoking Shawn Parker, Amy Jo Johnson

This is the type of decision that improves with positivity. Even the decision to quit in more likely when someone is optimistic and positively focused.

 

Social Services Shawn Parker, Susan Barham, Janice Paul

Not sure but am positive there are many relevant aspects

 

Special Education Drupti Chauhan, Kara McCraw,

Sara Kamprath, Patsy Pierce, Dee Atkinson

Positive expectation makes a tremendous difference in potential progress.

Also, increased self esteem is beneficial

 

State Employees Health Plan Karen Cochrane-Brown, Theresa Matula,

Kory Goldsmith

The state could save many millions by implementing positivity training for employees. Service levels would also improve.

 

Studies Authorizations Brad Krehely, Giles Perry, Wendy Ray,

Kory Goldsmith, Kelly Quick

While there is plenty of evidence, more than enough, to begin applying positivity training and reaping the benefits there is more to be known. As programs are implemented some should be studied to determine both the benefits derived and areas that we may wish to tweak for even better results.

 

Substance Abuse Shawn Parker, Susan Barham, Janice Paul

See drug abuse

 

Unemployment Brad Krehely, Theresa Matula, Janice Paul

Increased positivity increases the likelihood of finding new employment.

It opens the mind to possibilities that are closed when a person is negatively focused.

They are more attractive and more likely to be hired when they are positively focused.

 

Universities Drupti Chauhan, Sara Kamprath,

Kara McCraw, Patsy Pierce, Dee Atkinson

See Colleges

 

V

Veterans Hal Pell, Theresa Matula, Kelly Quick

See Military

 

Victims of Crime Brenda Carter, Susan Sitze, Kelly Quick, Janice Paul

Statistically, a rape victim is 7 times more likely to be raped again than someone who has never been raped.

In self defense classes they teach that appearing confident deters crime.

That is true.

Once you have defined yourself as a victim it is difficult to appear otherwise. It is like an invisible neon sign.

You can change what is written on that sign by changing your definition of self.

That is just one impact.

Victims of domestic violence also have a similar neon sign.

 

Vocational Education Kara McCraw, Sara Kamprath, Drupti Chauhan, Patsy Pierce, Dee Atkinson

I see self esteem issues here.

Some would view a vocational education as ‘less than’ a college education.

That negative comparison of self to others has detrimental impacts on health and relationships

Structuring healthy, valid self perceptions would improve health, well-being and even success. There are some vocations where an individual can be very successful but most in that sort of work do not see themselves as having that potential. Back to expectations.

W

 

Welfare Shawn Parker, Susan Barham, Janice Paul

See food stamps

 

Women’s Rights Brad Krehely, Kara McCraw, Kelly Quick

Some women still perceive women as less than men. This perception is damaging to self.

 

Work Release Brenda Carter, Hal Pell, Susan Sitze

See Incarceration, prisons

 

Worker Training Hal Pell, Brad Krehely

Many applicable and beneficial applications

 

Workers’ Compensation Tim Hovis, Bill Patterson, Brad Krehely

Negativity does not just impact health via illness, there is evidence it impacts accidents

 

Workplace Safety Hal Pell

See Workers’ Compensation

 

 

[i]Boehm, J. K. , & Kubzansky, L. D. The heart’s content: The association between positive psychological well-being and cardiovascular health. Psychological Bulletin, April 2012

AmericanAcademyof Neurology (2001, July 13). Keeping up your overall health may keep dementia away, study suggests. Science Daily.

  • Cardiovascular disease is a risk factor for Alzheimer’s so this risk is also reduced. AmericanAcademyof Neurology (2001, July 13). Keeping up your overall health may keep dementia away, study suggests. Science Daily.

 

[ii]Ronit Peled, Devora Carmil, Orly Siboni-Samocha and Ilana Shoham-Vardi. Breast cancer, psychological distress and life events among young women. BMC Cancer

[iii]What good are positive emotions in crisis? A prospective study of resilience and emotions following the terrorist attacks on the United States on September 11th, 2001. Fredrickson, Barbara L. ; Tugade, Michele M. ; Waugh, Christian E. ; Larkin, Gregory R. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, Vol 84(2), Feb 2003, 365-376. doi: 10. 1037/0022-3514. 84. 2. 365

[iv]Content analyses revealed that physicians who felt good were faster to integrate case information and less likely to become anchored on initial thoughts or come to premature closure in their diagnosis. In yet another experiment, Isen and colleagues showed that negotiators induced to feel good were more likely to discover integrative solutions in a complex bargaining task. Overall, 20 years of experiments by

Isen and her colleagues show that when people feel good, their thinking becomes more creative, integrative, flexible and open to information. The Value of Positive Emotions. Barbara L. Fredrickson, Ph. D.

[v]The Value of Positive Emotions. Barbara L. Fredrickson, Ph. D.

[vi]Ioannis Sotiropoulos, Caterina Catania, Lucilia G. Pinto, Rui Silva, G. Elizabeth Pollerberg, Akihiko Takashima, Nuno Sousa, and Osborne F. X. Almeida. Stress Acts Cumulatively to Precipitate Alzheimer’s Disease-Like Tau Pathology and Cognitive Deficits. Journal of Neuroscience, May 25, 2011; 31(21):7840-7847 DOI:10. 1523/JNEUROSCI. 0730-11. 2011

[vii]Robert A. Rissman, PhD, assistant professor of neurosciences, said the findings may at least partly explain why clinical studies have found a strong link between people prone to stress and development of sporadic Alzheimer’s disease (AD), which accounts for up to 95 percent of all AD cases in humans. Robert A. Rissman, Michael A. Staup, Allyson Roe Lee, Nicholas J. Justice, Kenner C. Rice, Wylie Vale, and Paul E. Sawchenko. Corticotropin-releasing factor receptor-dependent effects of repeated stress on tau phosphorylation, solubility, and aggregation. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 2012 DOI: 10. 1073/pnas. 1203140109

[viii]Joachim Stoeber and Dirk P. Janssen. Perfectionism and coping with daily failures: positive reframing helps achieve satisfaction at the end of the day. Anxiety, Stress & Coping, 2011

[ix]Eric S. Kim, Nansook Park, Christopher Peterson. Health and Retirement Study. Stroke, 2011; DOI:10. 1161/STROKEAHA. 111. 613448

[x]Relationships have been linked to lower blood pressure, better immune functioning and decreases in the length of hospitalizations, the authors write, citing previous studies. Social contact has also been linked to oxytocin, the bonding hormone, which regulates stress. This is excerpted from a study by Prof. Holt-Lunstad who co-authored a large-scale report on mortality and social relationships, which was released on July 2010 and published in journal PLoS Medicine. The report looks at 148 studies involving 308,849 people. The average age was 64. The participants were evenly split between the sexes, and followed for an average of 7. 5 years. They found close relationships correlated to 3. 7 more years of life. Conversely, a relative lack of social ties is associated with depression and later-life cognitive decline, as well as with increased mortality. One study, which examined data from more than 309,000 people, found that lack of strong relationships increased the risk of premature death from all causes by 50% — an effect on mortality risk roughly comparable to smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day, and greater than obesity and physical inactivity.

[xi]” A decade of research in the business world proves that happiness raises nearly every business and educational outcome: raising sales by 37%, productivity by 31%, and accuracy on tasks by 19%, as well as a myriad of health and quality-of-life improvements” Shawn Achor, Former Harvard Professor and author of The Happiness Advantage.

[xii]Rook, 1984; Sandler & Barrera, 1984


Benefits

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