Does it seem to you that more females appear to be happy with their lives than males? Coming from a family with a quiet, reserved, anti-social father and a gregarious, community-involved mother, I certainly got that impression growing up. Being an optimistic, look-on-the-bright-side type of person myself, I’ve always felt that if you’re not happy you need to do something about it. Stop looking at the negative side of a situation and find the positive, even if you have to dig really deep to find it. I just don’t like not being happy! I generally have found my female friends and family members to be more positive than the males in my life, but I never really knew why.

Recent research done at the USF College of Public Health revealed what research has shown for year: females are happier than males. The MAOA (monoamine oxidase A) gene predicts happiness in women. The presence of this gene seems to act as a natural anti-depressant in females. About 59% of women have this gene, which appears to create a natural tendency toward happiness. Only about 33% of males have this gene, and those who do seem to have no measurable increase in happiness.

This same gene has also been referred to as “the warrior gene,” tending to make men more aggressive. It’s believed that high levels of testosterone cancel out the positive effects found in females.

Who knew? One more reason to be thankful I’m female!