Personal growth and happiness may lead to a safer city
08.23.11
It's often been said that happiness is the key to enjoying life. Now, researchers at the University of California, Davis, are reporting that it may also be an integral part of building a crime-free city.
In a study of more than 15,000 youth, researchers found that the 29 percent of individuals who reported committing at least one crime and 18 percent who admitted to using illegal drugs also appeared to have low levels of emotional well-being.
"We hypothesize that the benefits of happiness – from strong bonds with others, a positive self-image and the development of socially valued cognitive and behavioral skills – reinforce a decision-making approach that is informed by positive emotions," said study authors.
The researchers noted that their findings underscore a need for positive interventions to help kids find personal growth and happiness.
"In addition to their other benefits, programs and policies that increase childhood and adolescent happiness may have a notable effect on deterring nonviolent crime and drug use," said co-author Bill McCarthy.
The study also revealed that emotional instability, or a sudden decline in happiness, was associated with even more negative behavior.
According to City-Data.com, Sedona, Arizona has a crime rate of less than half of that of an average U.S. city. Long known as the epicenter for healers and intuitives, it could be that there are more enlightened, happy people living there.
The Sedona, Arizona attractions, like the vortices and beautiful hiking trails, may be enough on their own to induce positive feelings. Individuals living in this area have the benefit of many yoga studios, art galleries and natural phenomena to help keep them mentally and emotionally well.
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Tags: Personal growth, personal growth and happiness, sedona arizona, sedona arizona attractions
