Longitudinal analysis of the spread of happiness in social networks

Abstract

In 2004, the World Health Organization (WHO) expressed an increasing emphasis on recognizing happiness as a vital component of health (Pronczuk-Garbino, 2005). However, there is a stark lack of research investigating how happiness is affected by those around them. It has long been known that emotions such as happiness and sadness can be easily transferred between individuals in close social contact (Hatfield et al., 1994). While the exact mechanism of this transfer and the timeframe over which this takes place is lesser understood (Fowler & Christakis, 2008). Fowler and Christakis (2008) conducted a study investigating the spread of happiness in social networks. They followed 4739 individuals over a 20 year period (1983-2003) and assessed their happiness using a validated four item scale and mapped the relationships amongst individuals. Over time they found visible happiness “clusters” and that those surrounded by happy people were more likely to become happy in the future. Statistical testing suggested that this relationship was due to the spread of happiness and not the tendency of similar individuals to associate with each other. Our group sought to add knowledge to this topic by working collaboratively to examine how happiness varies within social networks and the factors which influence happiness at both an individual and social level.