Reflections on changeability versus stability of health-related quality of life: distinguishing between its environmental and genetic components
2008
Understanding Health-Related Quality of Life: Environmental vs. Genetic Factors
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Mirjam AG Sprangers, Carolyn E Schwartz
Primary Institution: Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam
Hypothesis
To what extent are health-related quality of life components environmentally or genetically determined?
Conclusion
Health-related quality of life can be sustainably enhanced and is influenced by both environmental and genetic factors.
Supporting Evidence
- Recent studies suggest that happiness can be sustainably increased through simple interventions.
- Genetic factors account for a significant portion of individual differences in well-being and life satisfaction.
- The Hedonic Treadmill theory has been revised to show that happiness levels can change over time.
Takeaway
This study looks at how our happiness and quality of life can change based on our environment and our genes, showing that both play a role.
Limitations
The review does not claim to cover all relevant research areas comprehensively.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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