The longest study ever done on happiness

In 1938, amidst the shadows of the Great Depression, researchers embarked on an ambitious journey, tracking the health and well-being of 268 Harvard sophomores. This venture, known as the Harvard Study of Adult Development, aimed to uncover the secrets to a healthy and fulfilling life. Over the span of nearly eight decades, this longitudinal study has provided profound insights into the human experience, exceeding the initial expectations of the scientists involved.

The study, initially composed exclusively of male Harvard students, included notable figures such as future President John F. Kennedy and the long-serving editor of The Washington Post, Ben Bradlee. As time progressed, the research expanded to include the participants' offspring, totaling around 1,300 individuals, now in their 50s and 60s. This expansion aimed to explore the long-term effects of early-life experiences on health and aging.

One of the study's most striking revelations is the paramount importance of relationships. Robert Waldinger, the study's current director and a psychiatrist at Massachusetts General Hospital, emphasized that close relationships are a significant determinant of happiness and health. “Loneliness kills,” Waldinger stated, equating its effects to those of smoking or alcoholism. The data consistently showed that individuals with satisfying relationships at age 50 were the healthiest at age 80.

This comprehensive research has delved into various aspects of the participants' lives, from their physical health to their professional achievements and personal failures. It has highlighted that relationships, more than wealth or fame, play a crucial role in sustaining happiness throughout life. Good relationships, whether familial, friendly, or romantic, act as buffers against life’s hardships and are better predictors of long-term health than social class, IQ, or even genetic factors.

Over the decades, the study's scope widened. In the 1970s, researchers included 456 Boston inner-city residents in what became known as the Glueck Study. This inclusion provided a more diverse socioeconomic perspective, further enriching the findings. About ten years ago, the study also began incorporating the wives of the original participants, acknowledging the importance of marital dynamics in the pursuit of happiness.

Waldinger's TED Talk, “What Makes a Good Life? Lessons from the Longest Study on Happiness,” has garnered over 13 million views, underscoring the public's fascination with these findings. He explains that while taking care of one’s body is essential, nurturing relationships is equally crucial. The data revealed that marital satisfaction in later years could mitigate emotional and physical pain, reinforcing the idea that good relationships are vital for mental and physical health.

The study’s evolution reflects broader shifts in scientific inquiry and societal values. Initially focused on genetics and biological determinism, early researchers conducted detailed physical examinations, even analyzing handwriting. Today's methods are more advanced, utilizing DNA tests and MRI scans to gain deeper insights into the biological underpinnings of health and happiness.

Psychiatrist George Vaillant, who directed the study from 1972 to 2004, identified six key factors predicting healthy aging: physical activity, moderate alcohol consumption, non-smoking, effective coping mechanisms, maintaining a healthy weight, and having a stable marriage. Education also emerged as a critical factor for inner-city participants, influencing healthier lifestyle choices.

The study’s findings have profound implications, challenging the notion that personality is fixed by early adulthood. Many participants who faced significant challenges in their youth flourished in old age, while those who struggled with alcoholism and depression often saw their lives unravel. These insights underscore the dynamic nature of human development and the significant impact of life choices and relationships on overall well-being.

As the study enters its eighth decade, its legacy continues to grow. Waldinger plans to extend the research to third and fourth generations, seeking to understand how early-life stress affects long-term health. This ongoing research remains a beacon of hope, illuminating the path to a healthier, happier life through the power of relationships and community.