It's official: happiness is genetic

New research by American scientists has proven that happiness is genetic in nature. The results of this study open new horizons in understanding how our mood and happiness are shaped, and how they can be passed on from generation to generation.

The central figure in this story is the neurotransmitter serotonin, which plays a key role in regulating mood. Serotonin has the ability to influence brain cells and make us either sad or happy. The 5-HTT gene is responsible for the production of this neurotransmitter and can exist in two forms known as alleles - long and short.

A study of a thousand teenage twins found that those who inherited a combination of two long alleles of the 5-HTT gene from their parents consider themselves lucky. About 17% of children with this combination of genes felt happy. Among children with a combination of long and short alleles, the percentage of happy ones was 8%. At the same time, those people who inherited two short alleles admitted that they were completely unhappy.

It turned out that nationality also affects the happiness of adolescents. According to the study, people from Asia were mostly dissatisfied with their lot in life, while those born on the African continent enjoyed life every day.

These findings shed light on the complex relationship between genetics and mood. They indicate that our genetic makeup may play a role in shaping our happiness and mood. However, it is important to note that genes are not the only factor that determines our happiness. The influence of environment, upbringing, social factors and other aspects also plays a significant role in shaping our emotional state.

This study is only the first step in understanding the genetic basis of happiness. Future research could expand our knowledge of how genes interact with the environment and other factors to determine our happiness. This discovery could have important practical implications in the future, helping us better understand and improve our emotional well-being.

In general, research by American scientists confirms that happiness has a genetic component. Genes associated with the production of the neurotransmitter serotonin, as well as ethnicity, may influence happiness in adolescents. However, it must be taken into account that genetics is not the only factor that determines our happiness, and other factors such as environment and social conditions also play an important role. Further research in this area will help us better understand the complex nature of happiness and its relationship with genetics.