Abstract
This paper presents a quantitative model for understanding happiness, hypothesizing that happiness is a function of the difference between reality and expectations. Using two surveys, 84 participants reported their expected and actual IQ percentiles alongside their happiness levels before and after receiving their scores. By comparing the difference between expectations and reality against the change in happiness, we found a positive correlation with p = 0.0017, indicating that higher expectations required higher scores to maintain or increase happiness. This model emphasizes the role of expectations in emotional well-being and suggests practical implications for mental health interventions. Further research is recommended to explore the cognitive mechanisms influencing happiness and to refine the model.
Cite
MLA
Liang, Kimberly. “Novel Quantitative Model of Happiness: Reality Less Expectations.” Journal of Secondary and Undergraduate Research, vol. 2, no. 3, 2024
APA
Liang, K. (2024). Novel Quantitative Model of Happiness: Reality Less Expectations. Journal of Secondary and Undergraduate Research, 2(3)
Chicago
Liang, K. “Novel Quantitative Model of Happiness: Reality Less Expectations.” Journal of Secondary and Undergraduate Research 2, no. 3 (2024).