The Savanna Theory of Happiness suggests that people with lower IQs prefer the routine life of the countryside, while more intelligent individuals appreciate the variety of cities. A recent study has examined whether this theory holds true. Researchers from the Singapore Management University conducted a study to test the Savanna Theory of Happiness. According to the theory, evolutionary constraints on the brains of average people mean that situations and circumstances that influenced the happiness of our ancestors still seem the same. Therefore, people with lower IQs are said to prefer the uncomplicated life in the countryside, while those with higher intelligence prefer to live in cities, which are initially more complex but offer more options for individual development.
The study, published in the British Journal of Psychology, involved 15,000 participants aged between 18 and 28. The researchers linked the empirical data on population density and frequency of socialization with friends to the intelligence of the participants. As predicted by the theory, the study data shows that population density is negatively associated with life satisfaction, while the frequency of socialization with friends is positively associated with it. People with lower IQs do indeed prefer to live in rural areas with clear routines, while those with higher IQs prefer city life with its variety. Furthermore, the data reveals a significant relationship between population density, socialization with friends, and a person’s intelligence. Intelligent people experience lower life satisfaction with more frequent socialization with friends.
The study provides evidence to support the Savanna Theory of Happiness, which suggests that our evolutionary past still influences our preferences today. The findings may have implications for urban planning and the design of living spaces that cater to different levels of intelligence. The study also highlights the importance of socialization with friends for life satisfaction, regardless of intelligence level. Overall, the study sheds light on the complex relationship between intelligence, environment, and happiness.
