How far can the self-belief that you make your own happiness carry you, creating conditions for a self-fulfilling prophecy? A new study shows there is a happy correlation.

A new survey of 1,155 respondents found that 89% of people think that their happiness can be controlled—and these people are 32% happier than those who don’t think that happiness can be controlled.

The average happiness rating given by participants who think happiness is controllable is 7.39. In contrast, the average happiness rating of people who think happiness is out of their control is 5.61.

Even taking into account the so-called self-serving bias, which is the common habit of a person taking credit for positive events or outcomes, but blaming outside factors for negative events, the author believes the research is noteworthy.

“I didn’t expect such a big difference in happiness ratings between the people who think happiness can be controlled and those who don’t,” Hugo Huyer, the study’s author, told GNN. “In social science, a lot of correlations are far less clear, as results are often influenced by factors that cannot be excluded in a study.”

“However, the study is consistent with others in the field and hints at the fact that the happiest people have learned that some aspects of our lives are within our control. By focusing on these areas, you are more inclined to feel happy.”