What does it take to be happy?

Why do some people seem to carry a permanent smile, savoring every moment, while others appear to be constantly negative, feeling like a “sour lemon” and spreading dissatisfaction? The answer, in part, may lie in the discovery of the so-called “happiness gene,” which could explain why some individuals are naturally more upbeat, while others lean toward gloominess.

Research from the London School of Economics, published in the Journal of Human Genetics, identifies a gene that regulates serotonin transport in the brain, often referred to as the “happiness gene.” This study is the first to demonstrate a direct link between happiness levels and a specific genetic factor. By measuring individuals’ life satisfaction, researchers aimed to define the role of genetics in happiness.

Behavioral economist Jan-Emmanuel De Neve and his team analyzed genetic data from over 2,500 participants in the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health. They focused on variations of the 5-HTT gene, which is responsible for serotonin transporters in neuron cell walls. The 5-HTT gene comes in two versions, or alleles: short and long. The long allele performs better, allowing for more serotonin transporters, and as a result, those with this variation may experience higher happiness levels. People inherit combinations of these alleles from their parents, such as short-short, long-long, or short-long combinations.

Participants were asked to rate their life satisfaction with responses ranging from “very satisfied” to “very dissatisfied.” Their genetic profiles were then compared with their answers, and the findings were significant:

• 35% of individuals with the long-long gene variation were very satisfied with their life.
• 34% of those with the long-long version were satisfied.
• Only 19% of those with the short-short variation reported being very satisfied or satisfied.
• 26% of those with the short-short version were dissatisfied with their life.

Additionally, individuals with one long allele had an 8.5% higher chance of being very satisfied compared to those with two short alleles, while those with two long alleles had a 17% higher likelihood of being very satisfied.

As Jan-Emmanuel De Neve explained, “Our study suggests a strong link between happiness and this functional variation in the 5-HTT gene. However, while this gene plays a role in shaping our happiness, it is not the only factor. Life experiences and other genetic influences still account for the majority of variations in individual happiness.”

So, while the “happiness gene” may give some an advantage in maintaining a positive outlook, the way we choose to experience life plays an even bigger role. Each person has the opportunity to see life’s challenges as learning experiences and to enjoy the journey that comes with every new experience.

In short, while some of us may be genetically predisposed to happiness, true joy is influenced largely by self-awareness and how we choose to engage with life’s challenges. The discovery of your inner self, and your determination to shape your experiences, is the real key to happiness.

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