Medical Research

From its first publication, medical researchers have called the Foster/Hicks Happiness Model a classification of the components of "internal locus of control" and the description of the behaviors of their healthiest and most successful patients. Numerous researchers in the medical field are working with Foster and Hicks to correlate the happiness model with positive health-related practices and outcomes. Greg and Rick are currently co-investigators in research with hospitals around the country including the Mayo Clinic and Wake Forest University Medical Center.

Today they are correlating their unique model comprised of a synergistic combination of nine behaviors with important dimensions of health such as: emotional healing, physical healing, immune response to vaccines, adherence to treatment plans, patient empowerment, and overall quality of life.

Most research on happiness looks at either inherited factors and/or activities that contribute to happiness (e.g. genetically-generated optimism, listening to music, meditation). In the Foster/Hicks model each of the behaviors is cognitive, that is, learnable. And, the model is now known and accepted throughout the world as a cognitive roadmap for "learning" to be happy and as a complete tool that evaluates coping behaviors. The fundamental notion in this model is that people can take control over their own reactions to life's experiences even under dire circumstances and can learn to make healthier choices increasing their sense of well-being.

With their background in sociological and psychological well-being and many years leading successful team building and leadership courses at places such as G.E., Kaiser Permanente, Wells Fargo Bank, AXA-Financial, Mercedes-Benz, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, and Chubb & Son, Foster and Hicks have combined these nine behaviors into their training programs. As they have shown through years of research and practice, these nine traits can be taught resulting in lasting change to an individual's emotional capability.

The success of cognitive behavioral therapy which seeks to identify and eliminate negative behaviors while reinforcing positive behaviors have been shown to be as effective as antidepressants. Happiness as a result of behavioral choices is also well validated. Numerous studies have identified the benefit of a positive attitude towards health, yet have never sought to show that a teachable set of happiness-inducing behaviors can lead to taking control of one's health and recovery, making better decisions, decreasing fear and anxiety, raising adherence to drug regimens, and improving health.

We'll keep you posted on these exciting findings.