01 Dec Money might not buy happiness…but it does buy therapy which can buy happiness!
Therapeutic costs of happiness – Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Now it’s not just your mother saying it. Scientists in England are saying that money really doesn’t buy happiness.
But there’s a catch. Money does buy psychological therapy, which buys happiness.
Researchers at the University of Warwick and the University of Manchester considered thousands of people who had reported on their well-being. They found that a significant pay raise or an unexpected financial windfall raised people’s spirits a tad. Four months of therapy? It was 32 times more cost effective.
The researchers also noted that, over the last 50 years, developed countries haven’t seen increases in national happiness despite huge economic gains. They argue that resources should be directed towards making therapy more accessible.
Warwick research Chris Boyce said, “Often the importance of money for improving our well-being … is vastly over-valued in our societies. The benefits of having good mental health, on the other hand, are often not fully appreciated,”
As the debate over health care reform rages on, causing the mood of the country to sour, a good dose of therapy might be just what the doctor ordered.
But not until the dust settles and we know who’s going to pay for it.
For therapy in Sydney, Australia – go to www.makingchanges.com.au
For a great self-help program available on the net – go to www.overcomingdepressiontreatment.com