In last week’s blog, I was highlighting some of the most interesting results of the studies we have conducted at Queendom in the last 20 years. Check out these smash hits:

#11 – Life satisfaction is not just about what’s in your bank account.

Here’s what data from our Life Satisfaction Test reveals about people who are not satisfied with their life, and who feel that something is still missing:

  • They are more likely to struggle with mental health issues, like depression and anxiety, which often go undiagnosed and untreated. Many admit that going through daily life is an emotional struggle.
  • They don’t have a strong support network, especially during difficult times, and often feel alone. Their relationships tend to be filled with strife.
  • They are more likely to have a pessimistic attitude toward life, and tend to expect the worst. Many don’t hold much hope for their future, and feel that it’s best not to get their hopes up because they almost always end up disappointed.
  • They lack a raison d’être – a pet project, a job passion, a hobby – something that offers a sense of purpose. This leaves them feeling directionless, even worthless.
  • They have an “external locus of control” and feel like a puppet in life’s play, powerless to change anything.

#12 – Ladies, you don’t have to be a size two to be happy with your body.

Here’s what we uncovered in our body image study:

  • Of the people who love their body: 11% are underweight, 65% are a healthy weight, 15% are overweight, and 9% are obese.
  • People who love their body are not afraid to love food and to indulge now and then.
  • People who love their body also love themselves on the inside, and keep their mental health in tip-top shape.
  • People who love their body are self-empowered and independent, and refuse to change who they are in order to get others to like them.

#13 – Emotional intelligence has a dark side.

Social insight is largely considered a valuable skill. Being able to perceptively and accurately appraise people and anticipate what they might say or do allows us to adjust our own behavior and social approach accordingly, avoiding awkward missteps, hurt feelings, and conflict. But there is a dark side to social insight. Social insight, if not complemented by empathy and a strong sense of social responsibility, can lead to dishonest, deceptive, and manipulative behavior.

We analyzed the profiles of 60 individuals who are socially insightful but not socially responsible and who lack empathy. Sadly, here’s what our study reveals about this group:

  • 72% would rather do bad things to others than have bad things done to them.
  • 70% believe that listening to gossip allows them to gain valuable information that they can use to their advantage.
  • 52% would rather live a life of success than a life lived according to values and principles.
  • In order to get what they want, 64% use intimidation, 50% use blackmail, and 75% use manipulation.
  • In order to move up the career ladder, 29% would dig up dirt on their competition, 21% would sleep with someone in a position of authority, 15% would sabotage other people’s work.

#14 – “Shopaholism” is a very real and very serious addiction.

Some of the strongest signs of a shopping addiction include:

  • Lying to family and friends about much you spend, or hiding the things you’ve purchased.
  • Spending more on clothes, accessories, or other items than on rent or bills.
  • Getting an adrenaline rush from shopping, just like driving fast does for race-car drivers.
  • Borrowing money from friends or family so that you can shop.
  • Owning merchandise and clothes that still have price tags on them.
  • Feeling guilt or regret after going on a shopping spree.

#15 – The “Greatest Generation” really is the greatest.

Analyzing our cohort data, we discovered that the G.I. or “greatest” generation has a unique personality profile. Compared to younger generations, this older group is:

  • More emotionally stable.
  • More open-minded.
  • Easier to get along with.
  • More hard-working and conscientiousness.

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#16 – Younger men are more likely to believe in traditional gender roles, while older men are more likely to believe in contemporary gender roles.

When we were writing up the conclusions for this study, we actually had to go back to re-check our data, because we were convinced we had labeled or calculated something wrong. But the data was clear: As age increased, views changed from traditional to modern. Compared to modern men, traditional men are more likely to believe that:

  • The important decision-makers in a company should be male.
  • Men should control the finances in their family.
  • Women should have fewer sexual partners than men.
  • Women should not work outside the home when there are children to raise.
  • Sons should be taught not to cry or whine. 

#17 – Power hunger and happy relationship mix just as well as oil and water.

We don’t need to peak into the minds of power-hungry people to know that something isn’t quite right. But what is it like to be a family member, friend, or peer of a power-hungry person? According to data from our Dominance Test, power-hungry people are more likely to:

  • Use intimidation to get what want.
  • See power as a way to improve their social status.
  • Believe that having power is the only way to get people to respect them.
  • Believe that being in a position of power makes them better than others.
  • Put their needs first.

#18 – Unhealthy attachments in relationships isn’t limited to clinginess.

The top ten signs of an unhealthy attachment include:

  • An unwillingness to depend on others in any way (emotionally, financially, etc.).
  • Extreme altruism – being drawn to people who have problems, or people you feel a need to be “saved.”
  • Not wanting your partner to be independent (i.e. wanting him/her to depend entirely on you).

#19 – Having an open mind has some surprising benefits.

According to our research, open-minded people are more likely to:

  • Have a strong drive to succeed.
  • Perform well under pressure.
  • Have good self-control when they’re angry.
  • Exceed the expectations that others set for them.
  • Go out of their way to better themselves.

#20 – Empathy tops the list of traits that need to be nurtured in ourselves and in our children.

Our research reveals that people who score high on empathy are more likely to:

  • Consider the ethical consequences of their actions.
  • Be comfortable talking about and expressing their feelings.
  • Self-monitor their behavior – which means that they catch themselves before saying or doing something they’ll regret.
  • Experience fewer conflicts, but when they do, they’re willing to compromise.
  • See humans as being inherently good.

Insightfully yours,

Queen D