Many psychology professors who are recognized as experts on happiness refer to a set point for happiness. They believe this set point imposes an upper limit on our ability to find real and lasting emotional well-being. They assert that this set point is determined by our genes or by some other biological process existing at birth and remaining constant over a lifespan. Some of these academics insist this set point accounts for as much as half of our ability to find real and lasting happiness, contentment and satisfaction with life.

There are two problems with this. First, there is no solid scientific evidence that this biologically based set point actually exists. Second, belief in this set point undermines motivation for enhancing emotional well-being because it implies a limited likelihood of success.

To support their notion, these professors use statistics that reveal certain types of depressive disorders tend to run in families. Since this evidence is typically interpreted to indicate that there is a genetic foundation for these conditions, they argue that there must be a genetic predisposition that limits levels of emotional well-being. This reasoning fails to take into account the role of psychosocial dynamics: attitudes and ideas about life and how to live are often passed along from one generation to the next.

Given the fact that much of our emotional well-being is a matter of how we think about life and how to live, it is just as likely that these psychosocial processes are playing as much, if not more, of a role than genetics in limiting a person’s ability to find real and lasting emotional well-being.

The other reason the professors insist that there is a biological set point for happiness is the observation that people who experience a sudden spike in happiness tend to return to their previous level of happiness within a few weeks or months. This train of thought fails to recognize that all emotions are a matter of how we are affected by the things, people and events we encounter in the course of daily life. Emotional well-being is a matter of how we are situated with respect to the totality of the things, people and events we routinely encounter in the course of daily living. For example, we occasionally encounter someone or something that has an extraordinarily positive effect on emotional well-being. And this emotional high fades when there are no other significant changes.

Next time you hear about a set point for happiness, don’t believe that a biological process is undermining your personal pursuit of happiness. This knowledge is a powerful tool, and may be the first step in creating your own happiness.

[Ed. Note: Dr. Douglas Ramm is a psychologist, philosopher, author and leading researcher in the field of emotional well-being, contentment and life satisfaction. He has appeared on numerous radio and television talk shows where he shares insights for enhancing quality of life. Discover how to enhance yours here.]

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