Are happier people healthier than depressed people?

Question

This is a science fair question and i need alot of help!

Answer 1

It's scientifically proven. Happy people may have more immunities to common cold
People who are energetic, happy and relaxed are less likely to catch colds, while those who are depressed, nervous or angry are more likely to complain about cold symptoms, whether or not they get bitten by the cold bug, according to a recent study.
Study participants who had a positive emotional style weren't infected as often and experienced fewer symptoms compared to people with a negative emotional style, say Sheldon Cohen, Ph.D., of Carnegie Mellon University and colleagues, writing in the July issue of Psychosomatic Medicine.

Cohen's team interviewed 334 healthy volunteers three evenings a week for two weeks to assess their emotional states. The volunteers described how they felt that day in three positive-emotion areas: vigor, well-being and calm. They were also questioned about three categories of negative feelings: depression, anxiety and hostility.

Other scientists have speculated that people who typically report experiencing negative emotions are at greater risk for disease and those who report positive emotions have less risk, says Cohen.

After their assessment, each volunteer got a squirt in the nose of a rhinovirus -- the germ that causes colds. The researchers kept the subjects under observation for five days to see whether or not they became infected and how they manifested symptoms.

"We found that experiencing positive emotions was associated with greater resistance to developing a common cold," Cohen reports. "Increases in positive emotional styles were linked with decreases in the rate of clinical colds, but a negative emotional style had no effect on whether or not people got sick."

A positive emotional style actually had no effect on how often volunteers were infected (as measured by replication of the virus) but produced fewer signs and symptoms of the illness, says Cohen. This suggests that inflammatory chemicals produced by the body may link the positive emotional style with colds.

Further analysis revealed that good health practices and lower levels of certain hormones did not account for the link between positive emotional style and illness.

Since the average person catches two to five colds a year, developing psychological risk profiles and considering ways to enhance positive emotion might reduce the risk of colds -- and by extension, other infectious diseases.

Answer 2

I believe happier people are healthier, because depressed or stressed people end up having blood pressure and heart problems. Depressed/stressed people tend to get sick easier too because their imune system is down. Happier people live their life as if it were their last. I believe we should all be like that but in this fast pace life that we live it's oh so hard too. I just pray alot and lay my problems in God's hands, that seems to help alot for me. Merry Christmas!

Answer 3

Yes, no question about it. There is an enormous amount of research out there on this subject. For starters, check out the wikipedia page below and explore the list of references, plus the pages on Abraham Maslow, Carl Rogers, and Erich Fromm. You really should have no problem coming up with a good understanding of this, and if you take it to heart, you will deliver your science fair presentation with a big smile on your face!

Answer 4

Depressed people have lowered immune systems, although this is probably due to the stress they would be under as a result of depression, rather than depression itself. There are big links between stress and depression, I've just written an essay on the subject, if you would like the essay I could send it to you if you like.

Answer 5

Happier people do tend to be healthier. However, people that are depressed typically have a more accurate view of the world and the events in their lives.

Answer 6

Happiness is always associated with well-being or homeostasis "the state of balance". Therefore, i conclude that happier people are healthier.

Answer 7

There is no doubt about it. Happier people are healthier people. They make more points on earth. They earn a better job in heaven, better living conditions there too. Better everything.

Answer 8

.yes, also someone that eats a balanced diet is going to be less depressed, there for they would also be healthier. Depression and health go hand in hand.

Answer 9

Yes, they have a better outlook on life.
I would do some surveys and ask questions like are you happy, when was the last time you were sick, how often are you sick, etc...

Answer 10

yes. i've heard that someone was so depressed, that they actually died! it was sad. Happy people usually don't worry, or have stress/anxiety. also, ppl who are depressed often lose their hair and eat to feel happier