The Pursuit of Happiness: Who is Happy, and Why?

by David G. Myers
Harper Paperbacks, 1993

Table of Contents

-1. Acknowledgements
0. About This Book
1. What Is Well-being?
2. Wealth and Well-being
3. A Satisfied Mind
4. The Demography of Happiness
5. Reprogramming the Mind
6. The Traits of Happy People
7. "Flow" in Work and Play
8. The Friendship Factor
9. Love and Marriage
10. Faith, Hope, and Joy
11. Epilogue
12. Notes
13. Bibliography
14. Index

Happiness Resources

• David’s happiness articles

• Happiness, like cholesterol level, is a genetically influenced trait. Yet, as cholesterol is also influenced by diet and exercise, so our happiness is to some extent under our personal control. Here are some research-based suggestions for improving your mood and increasing your satisfaction with life: Suggestions for a happier life.

• Textbook section on happiness and positive psychology (PDF) (from Myers’ Psychology, 12th edition).

• Buy the book from amazon.com.

Happiness Research Websites

• Ed Diener, University of Illinois

• World Database of Happiness

• Martin Seligman’s Positive Psychology site