Boise State and Psychology09 Nov 2006 10:17 pm
Here are some excerpts from my psychology book, Psychology: Concepts & Connections, 9th Ed, by Rathus. They come from the chapter titled Motivation and Emotion.
Positive Psychology
Statistics of those who are happy.
- The majority of people in developed nations are satisfied with their lives.
- Happiness tends to run in families.
- People tend to be happier when they live in affluent societies and earn decent incomes.
- Money does not make people happy, but when we have enough money at least we don’t have to worry about money.
- More educated people tend to be happier.
- People who are married are happier.
- People who have a social support are happier.
- Happy people are more open to new experiences and are more willing to risk.
- Religious people are happier.
- Happiness tends to be accompanied by optimism.
Suggestions to be happy include:
- Take advantage of your education to develop skills so that you can be free from want.
- Do not let the fact that others have more impair your ability to appreciate what you have.
- Value friendships and other social relationships.
- Think about the meaning of life and make your life more meaningful.
- Consider whether you blame yourself too much when things go wrong.
- Consider if you are generally optimistic or pessimistic about your future.
Facts about obesity
- Obesity runs in families
- Fatty tissue metabolizes food more slowly than muscle does.
- Dieting slows down the metabolic rate thus making it more difficult to lose weight.
Intelligence
My favorite statement from the chapter titled Intelligence and Creativity.
Overall intelligence in the U.S. is declining, because people with less intelligence are having more children.
Oh, and one other thing. If you are a homonecropedophilliac then you have serious problems, and should consult a therapist. 
