The Promise of Fostering Greater Happiness

Abstract

<p>Philosophers, writers, self-help gurus, and now scientists have undertaken the challenge of how to foster greater happiness. In this chapter, we first discuss the different ways that happy and unhappy individuals construe their worlds, respond to social comparisons, make decisions, and self-reflect. Next, we examine whether deliberate strategies to improve happiness can be effective, and consider factors that may curtail their effectiveness. Specifically, we review evidence from randomized controlled experiments indicating that people can increase their happiness by practicing simple positive activities with effort and commitment. Such activities—including performing kind acts, expressing gratitude or optimism, and re-experiencing joyful events—represent the most promising route to enhanced happiness. We also discuss the optimal conditions under which positive activities increase happiness, and the mechanisms that underlie their success. Future researchers must continue not only to investigate <italic>which</italic> particular practices make people happier, but <italic>how</italic> and <italic>why</italic> they do so.</p>

Positive Psychology: Looking Back and Looking Forward

“…Happiness studies have examined ways in which happy and unhappy people respond to social comparisons, make decisions, and reflect ( Boehm et al, 2021 ), along with strategies (experiments and activities) to improve happiness and formulation of underlying mechanisms. Veenhoven (2021) reviewed differences in happiness across nations and linked them to important questions about what governments can or cannot do to raise levels of happiness, thus reaching toward issues of public policy.…”

The Relationship between Happiness and Mental Health among Saudi Women

“…Happiness, defined in terms of “frequent positive emotions and high life satisfaction” [ 1 ] (p. 2), is a complex but highly valued construct at the confluence of the individual and the contextual. Happiness involves income, employment, and basic needs, as well as marital status, familial and social relations, senses of equality and inequality, and physical and mental health [ 2 ].…”

“…This study is concerned with happiness, defined as “frequent positive emotions and high life satisfaction” [ 1 ] (p. 2), which is currently central to research on positive psychology and associated with greater physical health by promoting healthy lifestyles and helping people deal with stress [ 12 ], financial wellbeing [ 14 ], and stronger human relationships [ 15 ], including marital relationships. These factors linking happiness with other health indicators make happiness a goal for nations aiming to increase the wellbeing and overall health in the general population.…”