The biometric antecedents to happiness
Petri Böckerman1,2,3, Alex Bryson3,4,5, Jutta Viinikainen6
1Turku School of Economics, Turku, Finland.
Plos One
|September 16, 2017
Summary
Childhood biomarkers do not robustly predict adult happiness. A study found no consistent link between early-life biological markers and later-life subjective well-being, suggesting happiness is not predetermined by these factors.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical science
- Psychology
- Public health
Background:
- Biological markers are hypothesized to influence human happiness.
- Previous research has not conclusively established links between childhood biomarkers and adult well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between childhood biometric well-being and adult happiness.
- To determine if specific biomarkers measured in childhood can predict happiness later in life.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the Young Finns Study data (n=1905) with nationally representative linked records.
- Examined eight biomarkers from childhood (1980) and their association with adult happiness (2001).
- Controlled for numerous confounders including demographics, socioeconomic status, and lifestyle factors.
Main Results:
- A gender- and age-specific negative relationship was observed between triglycerides and subjective well-being.
- This association did not persist when using later triglyceride measurements.
- No robust predictive relationship was found between the eight childhood biomarkers and adult happiness.
Conclusions:
- Childhood biomarkers, including triglycerides, do not serve as reliable predictors of adult happiness.
- The findings suggest that adult happiness is influenced by a complex interplay of factors beyond early-life biological markers.
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