The psychology and science of happiness: What does the research say?

Abstract

This paper surveys the scientific evidence regarding the nature of human happiness by drawing upon numerous studies in social science domains: namely psychology, but also related fields of business leadership and consulting, economics, and behavioral economics. Beginning with a definition and narrowing of the terminology, the review moves toward a brief sketch of measurement methods in the topic. Subjective well-being and happiness are then explored within the framework of psychological theories of happiness, including tension-reduction and goal attainment theories, activity and process theories, and genetic and biologic dispositional theory. Evolving views regarding hedonic adaptation as a key process underlying happiness is examined, as well as Lyubomirsky and Layous’ (2013) comprehensive model of happiness as a framework that encompasses the entire scope of psychological theories regarding happiness. Finally, the correlational evidence related to the various components of happiness is reviewed, concluding with the observation that although strong correlational evidence is linked to well-being, happiness is a concept that defies unequivocal causal attributions because it contains a complex amalgam of interrelated and bi-reciprocal variables