Garmin and researchers from Harvard and Oxford universities share initial findings from landmark study examining happiness
Rhea-AI Summary
Garmin (NYSE: GRMN) has announced preliminary findings from a groundbreaking Health and Happiness Study conducted in collaboration with Harvard University and Oxford University. The study, launched in June 2024 at the Lugano Happiness Forum, examines the relationship between happiness and wellbeing using data from smartwatches and smartphones.
Initial findings revealed that daily physical activity and adequate sleep, measured by Garmin devices, strongly correlate with increased happiness and reduced stress levels. The research also found that emotional stability varies with age, with older adults showing more stability. The study demonstrated high retention rates and indicated participants were happiest during cultural and social activities.
As the exclusive smartwatch provider, Garmin's role involves leveraging high-quality sensor data from its products. The study is now expanding to include over 10,000 global participants, collecting data through smartphone surveys three times daily and cross-referencing with Garmin smartwatch metrics.
Positive
- Strategic research partnership with prestigious institutions (Harvard and Oxford) strengthens Garmin's position in health technology
- High participant retention rates demonstrate strong user engagement
- Exclusive smartwatch provider status for large-scale research study
- Study findings validate Garmin's technology effectiveness in health monitoring
Negative
- Initial results still need corroboration through larger study
- Study outcomes don't directly translate to immediate revenue impact
News Market Reaction
On the day this news was published, GRMN declined 2.73%, reflecting a moderate negative market reaction.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
In its next phase, the Health and Happiness Study aims to collect wellbeing data from over 10,000 global participants using surveys, Garmin smartwatches, and smartphones
The pilot study revealed several statistically significant findings. And while initial results need to be corroborated through the larger global study, they illustrated an important relationship between sleep, exercise and happiness.
Key findings included:
- Daily physical activity and adequate sleep, both measured by Garmin devices, were strongly correlated with increased happiness and reduced levels of stress.
- Emotional stability varied by age, with older adults showing more stability and younger adults more variability.
- The study demonstrated high retention rates, suggesting participants found value in self-monitoring emotions during the day.
- Respondents were happiest when involved in cultural and social activities, eating, or spending time with friends and family.
"As a collaborator on more than 1,000 research studies and clinical trials, the Garmin Health team is uniquely positioned to provide smartwatches with excellent battery performance, high-quality sensors and dynamic API or SDK integration for monitoring and reporting. We are honored to work with academic researchers at Harvard University and the University of Oxford on this groundbreaking study to better understand the intersection of happiness and health."
—Susan Lyman, Garmin Vice President of Consumer Sales and Marketing
After receiving approval from the Institutional Review Board (IRB), the pilot study was launched by Harvard Kennedy School of Government and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health researchers – in collaboration with the Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxford, the University of
Surveys are sent to respondents' smartphones three times per day, asking them to identify their current level of happiness and activities directly preceding the survey. Those reports are then cross-referenced with data from Garmin smartwatches and smartphones to provide a nuanced, qualitative and quantitative representation of how happiness is impacted by variables like physical activity, sleep, socialization and stress.
"The Health and Happiness Study is thrilled to work with Garmin as our exclusive smartwatch collaborator. Garmin's unique combination of advanced wearable technology, a health-conscious user base, and a strong commitment to improving lives through data makes them the ideal partner for this groundbreaking research. By leveraging Garmin's capabilities, we aim to overcome the recruitment and retention challenges that have hindered similar studies and uncover new insights into the drivers of mental health and wellbeing."
—Micah Kaats, Principal Investigator, Harvard University
The Health and Happiness Study is currently accepting applicants.
Garmin Health, a leading provider of digital health solutions that leverage the sensor data and insights of the Garmin product ecosystem, delivers custom results for corporate wellness, population health and patient monitoring programs. By using the Garmin Health API and SDK, third parties can seamlessly integrate real-time and historical smartwatch data into their apps in accordance with their specific privacy policies. As part of a global company that designs, manufactures and ships products worldwide, Garmin Health empowers enterprises to work with a single, trusted provider. For more information, email our media team, connect with us on LinkedIn or visit us online at garmin.com/health.
About Garmin International, Inc. Garmin International, Inc. is a subsidiary of Garmin Ltd. (NYSE: GRMN). Garmin Ltd. is incorporated in
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Notice on Forward-Looking Statements:
This release includes forward-looking statements regarding Garmin Ltd. and its business. Such statements are based on management's current expectations. The forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this release may not occur and actual results could differ materially as a result of known and unknown risk factors and uncertainties affecting Garmin, including, but not limited to, the risk factors listed in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 28, 2024, filed by Garmin with the Securities and Exchange Commission (Commission file number 0001-411180). A copy of such Form 10-K is available at http://www.garmin.com/aboutGarmin/invRelations/finReports.html. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and Garmin undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Elliott Scott
913-397-8200
media.relations@garmin.com
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SOURCE Garmin International, Inc.
FAQ
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