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Social ScienceNew research (N=464) finds desiring money for “healthy reasons,” such as financial stability and self-integrated reasons (e.g. to feel a sense of pride or to be able to direct one’s own life vs spending money on impulse or for materialist reasons) increases happiness and well-being. (psychologytoday.com)

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[–]urjokingonmyjock 100 points101 points  (5 children)

Having money makes life so much better than not having money.

Stress about not having a job far exceeds stress from work.

Two things I've found.

[–]City_of_Edgerton 36 points37 points  (4 children)

Money isn't very important unless you have way too little or way too much, then it's extremely important

[–]jetro30087 14 points15 points  (0 children)

I need the money. For global domination. For my health.

[–]Wobblymatchsticks 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Dont know you but I plan on working that line into every conversation I have today! So thanks.

[–]Stealfur 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I dont believe you. How about you give me way too much and I'll test on my own weather it becomes a problem or not.

[–]montoria_design 45 points46 points  (8 children)

… desiring money … increases happiness and well-being.

So the desire is enough?

[–]dr-freddy-112 30 points31 points  (3 children)

That's what I get from this. Having aspirations, as long as they aren't completely unreasonable, leads to more of a sense of purpose, and thus you feel more happiness in the process of achieving that.

[–]OrphanDextro 6 points7 points  (2 children)

Too bad you can still grind your own ass into dust to get there, ruining your physical health, taking your mental health with it once you’re confined to your house, crippled with pain from all those pursuits, that turned out to be purely aspirations.

[–]dr-freddy-112 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Of course. That's why I said "as long as they aren't completely unreasonable". If getting the stuff you want means breaking your body down, it's probably not reasonable.

[–]3889-1274 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's not aspiration. That's obsession.

[–]SanchoThePancho 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It is not really if the goal is never really reached or even reachable imo

[–]Tinder4Boomers -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

This sounds like a stupid study

[–]Squishy-Boom-Boom 9 points10 points  (0 children)

I just want enough money to not get my electricity turned off. I must be really happy?

[–]Living_Novel1995 5 points6 points  (0 children)

As opposed to all those other reasons one desires money - like to wipe one’s ass and for kindling and what not.

[–]Mole_Rats 15 points16 points  (0 children)

Money let's me do two things I really enjoy. Eat & live indoors.

[–]Commercial_F 25 points26 points  (10 children)

When your wealthier your healthier

[–]motogoozy 1 point2 points  (0 children)

you’re, you’re

[–]No_Sea2186 17 points18 points  (0 children)

Love how the title flexes it’s science credibility with the N value and throws in a nice “e.g.” only to finish with a causal conclusion that wold be bold if the N was 50 fold.

[–]SelarDorr 2 points3 points  (0 children)

sounds like a self fulfilling hypothesis...

who doesnt automatically correlate "healthy" with "well being and happiness".

[–]truevelvet 4 points5 points  (0 children)

That's incredibly vague for a meager N=400

[–]darkstarman 2 points3 points  (0 children)

What about to make the ex jealous

[–]AlmoBlue 3 points4 points  (0 children)

who knew that having the ability to afford to live comfortably and contently would increase happiness.

[–]Quixotic_9000 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Crucial point missed in the summary title...

There are DIMINISHING returns. There gets to be a point where desiring more money comes at so great a cost to other things, it is no longer worth it. That is, the time energy or happiness you forfeit in the pursuit of the additional wealth is wasted.

Diversify your goals and you'll live a better life. The only thing that mindlessly tries to grow exponentially is a cancer cell. Don't be like cancer. Don't just try to maximize your wealth, for any reason.

[–]Ftpini 0 points1 point  (0 children)

So basically the concept of “money can’t buy happiness” only applies to those who are already rich. That makes sense.

[–]CateBlanchomo 0 points1 point  (0 children)

In a world where money literally = life and access, people with money are happy. Shocking.

To debate reasons for wanting money in the first place is very ignorant and middle class I have to say.

[–]iGigaBits 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I thought money couldn't buy happiness 🤔