Meaningful conversations

According to a recent study published in the journal Psychological Science by a University of Arizona psychologist, Mattias Mehl, deep conversations correlate with happiness, i.e., the more one engages in conversations that go deeper than chitchat or small talk, the more likely a person is to be happy. The research entailed recording the conversations of 79 volunteers and then analyzing the content of those conversations. Dr. Mehl did not find this result surprising:

But, he proposed, substantive conversation seemed to hold the key to happiness for two main reasons: both because human beings are driven to find and create meaning in their lives, and because we are social animals who want and need to connect with other people.

Indeed, interpersonal connection and integration is one of the foundations for personal happiness. (Roni Caryn Rabin, “Talk Deeply, Be Happy?,” New York Times, March 17, 2010)

Dr. Mehl hopes to conduct further research to determine if a causal relationship exists between happiness and deep conversations or if the relationship is simply correlative. Until then, people who want to be happy should follow the example of Jesus, Aristotle, and other great spiritual leaders by talking about the important issues in life with people about whom they care.