The Bored and the Beautiful

Wealth, fame and good looks may be a formula for anxiety rather than happiness, a new study suggests.

WEALTH, FAME and good looks may be a formula for anxiety rather than happiness, a new study suggests. Psychologists at the University of Rochester, US, evaluated survey responses from 147 recent graduates, noting their achievements and their level of happiness over a period of two years. People’s goals were divided into two categories: extrinsic (things like wealth, fame and personal image) and intrinsic (meaningful relationships, health and personal growth). Achieving intrinsic goals led to higher self-esteem and a greater sense of well-being, the study says. And attaining the extrinsic goals led to anxiety and unhappiness. The more people achieve their extrinsic goals, the more “they tend to feel like pawns, like they’re on a treadmill running forever and they’re not really in charge of themselves,” says Edward Deci, a co-author of the study. “They miss out on the things that are important.” Previous studies have shown reaching their goals may make people happier. But this study adds a twist. It shows that having the right kind of goals is what matters.