Understanding Happiness in Sports and Beyond

Researchers found that bronze medalists are generally happier than silver medalists. This is because bronze medalists compare their achievement to not winning a medal at all, while silver medalists compare theirs to winning gold. The study suggests that the closer one is to achieving a higher status, the less satisfied they may feel. This phenomenon is not limited to sports; similar feelings occur in everyday situations, such as missing a flight by a few minutes versus a longer time. To be happier, it might help to fail by a larger margin.

Why are bronze medalists generally happier than silver medalists?

• They are closer to winning gold.

• They have better training facilities.

• They compare their achievement to not winning a medal.

• They receive more recognition.

What is a key factor that affects the happiness of silver medalists?

• The support from their team.

• Their training regimen.

• Their proximity to winning gold.

• The number of medals they have won.

How does the concept of status influence the happiness of silver medalists?

• They gain more status by moving up to gold.

• They lose status by moving down to bronze.

• They are indifferent to status changes.

• They gain status by staying in the same position.

What is a common reaction of people who miss their flight by a few minutes compared to those who miss it by a longer duration?

• They are less upset.

• They are indifferent.

• They feel relieved.

• They are more upset.

What lesson can be learned about happiness from the study of near misses?

• Failing slightly worse can sometimes make us happier.

• Winning is more important than participating.

• Success is the only path to happiness.

• Happiness is not influenced by failure.

In what other context, besides sports, is the happiness related to near misses observed?

• In academic exams.

• In workplace promotions.

• At the airport.

• In social gatherings.