Biological Connection to the Feeling of Happiness

Happiness is a psychological state, resulting from the secretion of certain chemicals by specialist cells in the brain. It is a very tricky multifaceted theory that is challenging to comprehend. Humans desire to be happy and strive for the same throughout their lives. There is nothing else that can give more pleasure than being happy. Without knowing how happiness is achieved, humans tend to slog for worldly things that are perceived to bring joy. But the fact is that the human brain is a master programmer that controls when and how one feels happy. The determinants that offer happiness are numerous like biological, cognitive, behavioural, sociocultural, etc. Amongst these the biological factors are the endogenic constituents that top the table in defining human happiness. Today, happiness is a typical problem that is being examined by several researchers. It is thus, obligatory to comprehend the biological outlook of joy and understand the quality of life. Therefore, this paper intends to reflect on the biological factors that hold happiness. The data acquired from the database search is categorised under the subheadings hormones/ neurotransmitters, genetics, and the anthropometric typology. The neurotransmitters identified to offer happiness are dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, endocannabinoids, endorphins, epinephrine, norepinephrine, cortisol, and melatonin. These are secreted in humans and have a designated purpose in ascertaining happiness. Although there is no extensive proof available on the genetics of happiness, studies suggest that 35-50% of the joy is hereditary. Genes like Serotonin Transporter Polymorphism (5-HTTLPR) and Monoamine Oxidase (MAOA) and their role in happiness are explored through various research studies. Also, the physical features of an individual have a link to human happiness. Therefore, the existing knowledge points out that the biological factors’ role is vital in determining happiness which is undebatable.

Impact of Polymorphisms in the Serotonin Transporter Gene on Oscillatory Dynamics during Inhibition of Planned Movement in Children

The serotonin transporter plays an important role in serotonergic neuromodulation. It is known that polymorphisms in the serotonin transporter gene are linked to the dysregulation of emotions. In the current study, we aimed to investigate the impact of variation in the gene encoding serotonin transporter polymorphism on oscillatory dynamics during inhibition of planned movement in the stop signal paradigm. During performance the stop signal paradigm, electroencephalograms (EEGs) were recorded in 90 healthy Caucasian children (39 girls) from 7 to 12 years. Buccal epithelium probes were taken from all participants. The La, Lg, and S alleles of serotonin transporter-linked polymorphic region (5-HTTLPR) polymorphism were detected in the DNA samples using PCR. LaLa genotype carriers did not differ from LaS\LgS and LgS\LgLg\SS carriers in a number of successful inhibitions of a prepotent response. Carriers of LaLa exhibit higher alpha and beta event-related spectral perturbations (ERSP) in parietal and occipital cortices after the presentation of signal of inhibition of movement than LaS\LgS and LgS\LgLg\SS carriers. Results are consistent with current literature and confirm that S allele carriers are more predisposed to disturbances in cognitive control.