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Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION

Buying experience buys happiness

By: Sari Roan

Posted: 02/15/2009 1:00 AM | Comments: 0 (including replies)

MONEY is an emotional issue, especially during economic hard times. Social scientists have always warned that once a person's basic needs are met money doesn't buy happiness. But if you're wondering, or maybe even arguing over, what to do with any precious discretionary income these days, a new study suggests how to get the biggest emotional bang for your buck

Ryan Howell, an assistant professor of psychology at San Francisco State University, found that buying experiences -- such as vacations, going to the theater or renting a sailboat -- gave people more happiness than buying material things. The study of 154 people ages 19 to 50 showed that experiences increase happiness because they are often social in nature. "People report a sense of feeling invigorated or inspired," Howell said.

"It's not that material things don't bring any happiness. It's just that they don't bring as much," Howell said. "You're happy with a new television set. But you're thrilled with a vacation."

The study may yield some lessons for Americans in despair over the recession. "For whatever you can afford, you'll maximize your happiness, and the happiness of others around you, if you spend it on a life experience," he said.

-- Los Angeles Times

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition February 15, 2009 B7

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