CLAIRE SMITH

ALGEBRA is not a subject normally associated with enjoyment. But it seems the equation P + (5 x E) + (3 x H) could be the key to happiness. New research claims we could all achieve contentment simply by using this formula – with P standing for personality, E for the necessities of life and H for the higher aspects of existence.

The equation has been developed by chartered occupational psychologist Carol Rothwell and life coach Pete Cohen.

Mrs Rothwell said: “This is the first equation of its kind that enables people to put a figure on their emotional state. The research findings show that certain life events such as a job promotion can impact positively on your overall happiness score.”

The research uncovered regional differences which revealed that spending time with friends is more important to the happiness of Scots than to others in the UK. But sex is much less important to Scots. Fewer than a fifth consider it an important part of a happy existence, compared to 30 per cent of people nationwide.

http://news.scotsman.com/scitech.cfm?id=14782003

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HAPPINESS IS .. THINKING UP A SILLY FORMULA FOR LIFE Jan 6 2003

Stephen White

A PSYCHOLOGIST and a lifestyle coach have come up with a formula for happiness – P+(5xE)+(3xH).

P equals Personal characteristics such as outlook on life, resilience and adaptability.

E stands for Existence needs such as health, money and friends.

H is for Higher order needs like a sense of humour, ambitions and self esteem.

Psychologist Carol Rothwell and lifecoach Pete Cohen interviewed more than 1000 people as part of research commissioned by holiday company Thomson into the nation’s mood.

The value of each letter is based on self-assessment rankings from one to 10.

If you think you are very outgoing, flexible and open to change then P is likely to be a higher number. If you think you are introverted and unwilling to adapt, the answer is likely to be lower.

A high end total means a higher level of happiness.

Asked what made them happy, four in 10 men said sex and three in 10 mentioned a sporting victory.

For seven in 10 women it was being with family. One in four said losing weight.

Romance featured higher for men than women, though so did a pay rise and a hobby.

Women smile more at sunny weather and both sexes enjoyed holidays.

Carol Rothwell said: “This is the first equation of its kind that enables people to put a figure on their emotional state.”

http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/page.cfm?objectid=12504913&method=full&sit eid=89488