INDIAN JOURNAL OF HEALTH STUDIES - Volume 1 Issue 1, July 2019

Pages: 11-22
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Neuropsychology of Happiness

Author: Fakir Mohan Sahoo, Dr. Kalpana Sahoo

Category: Health Studies

Abstract:

The empirical exploration of the construct of happiness has offered several conceptual inputs regarding its operationalization, nomological network and its process nature. It has also provided a number of theoretical explanations of happiness and techniques of fostering happiness. While recognizing such contributions, the present article goes beyond these parameters and identifies neural correlates of human happiness. Drawing on the contemporary brain imaging studies, the article delineates the role of middle prefrontal cortex, the left and right middle frontal gyruses (LMFG and rMFG). It is accentuated that the ratio of left to right activity in the MFG marks a brain signature for happiness. In this context, the role of amygdala and hippocampus is also discussed. Finally, a number of lifestyle changes are recommended for promoting sustainable happiness.

Keywords: happiness, left-frontal activity, neuroplasticity, right-frontal activity

DOI: 10.56490/IJHS.2019.1101

DOI URL: https://doi.org/10.56490/IJHS.2019.1101