Happyzine 2015 = exciting times ahead

A long term study The International Wellbeing Study, is currently being carried out to discover “what it means to be happy and healthy” and “How (people) change over time”. This study began in March 2009; runs until March 2013, and is a collaborative effort involving researchers from many different countries – currently it is available in eleven different languages. The researchers are relishing the opportunity to use the power of the internet and Google Translate to involve participants from many different countries, backgrounds and cultures and collect universal data for the Wellbeing Study.

The internet has changed the face of surveys as it has given easier access to much greater numbers of people, and with the use of multiple languages, this survey can give a truly international and global picture. To take part in the study, participants are required to fill out the online questionnaire a total of five times, every third month, in order to show changes over time. Individual results are confidential as participants do not need to give their name to take part. The collective results are being collated to show what it means to be happy and healthy, and how these aspects change over time, giving a truly international flavour.

To take part in the study, participants are required to fill out a total of five surveys (comprising of 208 questions each time, which take on average 30 minutes), spread out over a one year period Participants must be at least sixteen years old, and are sent the survey reminder in March, June, September, and December (the open months for the survey). Participants complete the same survey each time as a means of showing how their wellbeing changes over time. The survey is available in English, Chinese, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Persian, French, Norwegian, Finnish, Portuguese and German. Three more languages are being planned.

The study itself measures wellbeing directly by measuring aspects such as happiness, psychological wellbeing, and satisfaction with life, and also the components that make up wellbeing such as strengths use and knowledge, hope, gratitude, and meaning in life. The whole study process is still evolving. At present, there is one voluntary wellbeing increasing course available, with another course not far off. Further studies are still in the development and approval stage. The study has six core researchers based in New Zealand, UK and USA. A large number of research assistants, language facilitators and collaborators are also involved – around sixty  people in total.

To fully understand The International Wellbeing Study, I decided to participate and complete the questionnaires. I took my first questionnaire today, and it took me thirty five minutes, as I have a habit of reflecting on questions! The layout of the questionnaire is very clear, and easy to understand. The questions are well worded, and in an easy to read font. There were approximately three boxes where I could elaborate on the answers, if necessary. The rest of the questions were simply “click boxes” to indicate the degree you agreed or disagreed. I did find the questions were thought provoking, and some of my answers were even more thought provoking! At the end of the five questionnaires, participants get sent an individualized report on their results. I look forward to receiving my report, when the time comes.

To take part in the The International Wellbeing Study go to http://www.wellbeingstudy.com. To take part, click on the tab “Click here to participate”. You can express interest in the study at any time, and you will be notified when the questionnaire is open to participants.

I find the aim of this study very exciting in light of my blog which focuses on identifying your strengths and creating a life that is perfect for you.

To learn more, go to http://www.behealthywealthyandhappy.com

By Mary Speller

Since childhood, I have loved reading biographies and autobiographies. As a result, I came to believe that people are capable of great achievement when empowered by something they feel passionate about. We are all born with unique strengths and abilities that we can develop and tap into as we age. These can include physical strength, determination, artistic talent, a sense of justice and so many more.

Life circumstances, abuse or lack of opportunity can prevent or deaden the drive to discover and use our unique gifts. In my own life, I grew up with the belief that I was not good at anything, but I also had a belief that I was not testing my limits and achieving my best.

I now realise that I have learnt so much in my life through my reading, interest in psychology and personalities.  Combined with an overdose of optimism and the skills I have developed through my Social Policy studies, writing tutoring, supporting people to negotiate government departments, and lobbying government, I now have quite a broad knowledge-base. I have also been running a home business for the last year and a half; have created an online blog, and am currently taking a business coaching course.

I have enjoyed the freedom I have to create my own business, and have my voice online. It is very important to me to help people who decide today is the day they must change. I want to encourage and support you in your journey of getting to know yourself, to claim your life and believe in who you are. I want to help you to develop and use practical steps to set goals, and make plans to create a life that is perfect for you.

Have a wonder-filled day!

Tags: Emotional sustainability, Happiness