(Telegraph) Born miserable – some people genetically programmed to be negative
Some people cannot help being pessimistic, suggests a new study that found the amount of a chemical in the brain affects how we view the world. Researchers discovered that levels of a molecule called neuropeptide Y (NPY) directly relates to whether we have a “glass half empty” or “glass half full” attitude towards life.
Those with lower levels of the substance are much more negative and find it more difficult to deal with stressful situations. They are also more susceptible to depression.
The team at University of Michigan believe the amount of NPY in the brain is genetically programmed and hope the discovery could lead to early diagnosis of and prevention of psychiatric illness.
(See the original article here)
Just for something funny:
Also see Don’t You Want Your Partner to be… Interesting?, Does Day Dreaming Make You Miserable? and What Does Your Group Do to You?