Turns out, money can buy happiness after all – according to science
And here’s what people like to spend their cash on…
Forget what they say – money really can buy happiness, at least according to new research.
But contrary to what you think, it’s not about the ability to afford fast cars, designer clothes and luxury holidays.
According to research from the University of British Columbia in Canada, contentment comes from paying others to take on chores such as cleaning, cooking and gardening. The scientists say this allows happiness to be “bought” in the form of free time.
Psychology professor Elizabeth Dunn, who co-led the study, said: “The benefits of buying time aren’t just for wealthy people.
The scientists conducted a poll of 6,000 adults in the US, Canada, Denmark and the Netherlands.
Participants were questioned about the extent to which they spent money to buy themselves more free time each month.
They also rated their levels of happiness, or life satisfaction, and were quizzed about time stress.
In another part of the study 60 adults were randomly given 40 US dollars (£30.70) to spend on either a time-saving or material purchase on different weekends.
They reported feeling happier when their spending secured them more free time.
Despite the benefits, few people choose to prioritise “buying time”, the research showed.
Professor Dunn added: “Although buying time can serve as a buffer against the time pressures of daily life, few people are doing it even when they can afford it.
“Lots of research has shown that people benefit from buying their way into pleasant experiences, but our research suggests people should also consider buying their way out of unpleasant experiences.”
The research is published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
