Psychologists say happiness is ... giving in to temptation

ABANDONING self-control and giving into temptation on occasion leads to a happier, more successful life, scientists believe.

The findings, by psychologists from the University of Zurich, claim momentary pleasure is good for you even if it does not achieve anything in the long term.

This is because the capacity to experience pleasure and enjoyment is a sign of leading a satisfied and happy life overall, they told the specialist journal Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin.

Such pleasures can include having a good meal to a night on the tiles and a night in front of the television – none of which is necessarily going to mean living longer or becoming richer, but can mean being happier.

Psychologist Katharina Bernecker said: “It’s time for a rethink. Of course, self-control is important but research on self-regulation should pay just as much attention to hedonism or shortterm pleasure.”

The researchers used a psychological questionnaire to test volunteers on how they respond to the temptations of hedonism and whether or not this distracts them from their long-term goals as well as their overall well-being.

They found some set out to lose weight, doing more sport or improving their mind and when relaxing they worry about whether they should be doing those things instead.

But their own sense of well-being was lower than those who managed to switch off and enjoy themselves without thinking about what they should be doing instead.

This suggests those who can enjoy life’s little pleasures are less likely to

‘Research on self-regulation should pay just as much attention to hedonism or short-term pleasure’

suffer from depression and anxiety because they can have fun without worrying about the consequences.

Ms Bernecker added: “The pursuit of hedonistic and long-term goals needn’t be in conflict with one another. Both are important and can complement each other in achieving well-being and good health.

“It is important to find the right balance in everyday life.

“It was always thought that hedonism, as opposed to self-control, was the easier option, but really enjoying one’s hedonic choice isn’t actually that simple for everybody because of those distracting thoughts.”