Happiness DVD

This episode looks at happiness and tries to establish if biological and environmental factors keep us on an even keel.

Length: 60 minutes

ORDER CODE: 187544

Copyright date: ©2006

Happiness (01:42)

Professor Robert Winston questions whether the ability to be happy is genetic or affected by environment. The 25 children in the study are now six.

Helena Young's Childhood (06:33)

Helena is the only survivor from a set of triplets and now has a younger sister, Bella. Her mother Jeanette and the extended family have made Helena the center of attention. Helena and Jeanette undergo a test that shows they have a positive outlook and a large potential for happiness.

Calvin Kirkham's Difficulties (03:37)

Calvin's parents, Helen Kirkham and Andy Pearson, are divorced. Calvi lives with Helen, but spends every other weekend with his father, which he dislikes.

Happiness Test (03:23)

By six, genes and life experience have combined to create a level of happiness that most people maintain for the rest of their lives. The children and parents rate themselves on a happiness scale over a period of time; Jamie Craven rates the highest.

Jamie Craven's Activeness (05:09)

Jamie has always been the most active of the children in the study. He was diagnosed with diabetes at four but has learned coping skills. Exercise releases endorphins that cause happiness.

Outlook on Life (02:29)

Winston tests the parents and children to see who is pessimistic and who is optimistic. Jamie is the most optimistic child while Rubin Bayfield is the most pessimistic.

Rubin Bayfield's Traumatic Birth (06:00)

Rubin's mother Debbie feels she does not have the same connection with Rubin as she does with his brothers. Complications during delivery forced her into the hospital and Rubin nearly died. Rubin is uncertain about his mother's love for him, which is more common for children in large families.

Ethan Kerr's Time at School (05:18)

Although Ethan shows high levels of exuberance, his brain scan and happiness level recordings reveal he is not very happy. He has trouble at school and his teacher worries about his inability to concentrate on tasks.

Helena's Privilege (05:31)

Children who value material possessions over achievement and friendship are more likely to suffer from depression. Despite her family's wealth, Helena does not value toys over friendship. Her mother Jeanette thinks Helena is cautious and she is trying to exposure her to new experiences.

Rubin's Social Skills (06:57)

Winston tests the children's social skills to see how they are developing. Rubin does the best, but his actions at school show he is insecure among his friends. His mother Debbie enrolls him in a drama and dance class to build confidence.

Ethan's Confidence (03:25)

Ethan's mother Kerri worries his performance at school is making him less confident in other aspects of life. Ethan undergoes an assessment and receives an ADHD diagnosis.

Family Adjustment (03:51)

Calvin and his sister Lauren spend 10 days with their father for the first time in four years. Calvin shows resilience in Winston's tests and adjusts to the rules at his dad's home.

Managing ADHD (01:17)

Kerri and Johnathan decide to put Ethan on medication. His concentration has improved, and he is doing better at school.

Rubin's Performance (02:31)

Rubin's drama and dance class ends in a performance for Debbie and the other parents. Rubin enjoys the class.

Credits: Child Of Our Time 2006: Happiness (00:32)