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The Happiness Doctor

The science of well-being

Happiness
Does Having Children Make Us Happy?

Mark Holder, Ph.D. on September 27, 2017

Does having children increase or decrease a parent's happiness? Research suggests that it depends on where you live, and that the U.S. may be a particularly bad place for parents.

Does having children increase or decrease a parent's happiness? Research suggests that it depends on where you live, and that the U.S. may be a particularly bad place for parents.

Happiness
Three Ways Money Buys Happiness

Mark Holder, Ph.D. on August 17, 2017

Money really can buy happiness, if you spend it right. Research has identified three ways that spending your income can lead to greater happiness.

Money really can buy happiness, if you spend it right. Research has identified three ways that spending your income can lead to greater happiness.

Happiness
Does a Happy Meal Really Make Us Happy?

Mark Holder, Ph.D. on July 19, 2017

We know that what we eat impacts our physical health. But what about our psychological health? How does what we eat impact our happiness?

We know that what we eat impacts our physical health. But what about our psychological health? How does what we eat impact our happiness?

Happiness
Happiness and Your Immune System

Mark Holder, Ph.D. on June 9, 2017

Positive emotions are good for our health. Research shows that happiness increases the effectiveness of the immune system, including protecting us from the common cold and the flu.

Positive emotions are good for our health. Research shows that happiness increases the effectiveness of the immune system, including protecting us from the common cold and the flu.

Happiness
Measuring Happiness: How Can We Measure It?

Mark Holder, Ph.D. on May 22, 2017

Can positive psychology researchers really measure happiness? Here are five ways they try.

Can positive psychology researchers really measure happiness? Here are five ways they try.

Happiness
How to Live 7.2 (Happy) Years Longer

Mark Holder, Ph.D. on April 12, 2017

Positive psychology research consistently shows that happiness is linked to longevity even after accounting for initial health, obesity and socio demographic factors.

Positive psychology research consistently shows that happiness is linked to longevity even after accounting for initial health, obesity and socio demographic factors.

Happiness
6 Surprising Facts About Happiness

Mark Holder, Ph.D. on March 4, 2017

Is positive psychology just the confirmation of the obvious? No it isn't! Here are six research findings about happiness that will surprise you.

Is positive psychology just the confirmation of the obvious? No it isn't! Here are six research findings about happiness that will surprise you.

Relationships
5 Simple Steps to Better Relationships

Mark Holder, Ph.D. on February 5, 2017

Here are 5 simple and powerful ways to improve the quality of your relationships with family, friends and romantic partners starting right now.

Here are 5 simple and powerful ways to improve the quality of your relationships with family, friends and romantic partners starting right now.

Relationships
Are Psychopaths Happy?

Mark Holder, Ph.D. on January 7, 2017

Psychopaths tend to get what they want and feel no remorse. However, they have superficial relationships characterized by lies and manipulation. So are they happy?

Psychopaths tend to get what they want and feel no remorse. However, they have superficial relationships characterized by lies and manipulation. So are they happy?

Happiness
Post Election: Republicans, Democrats and Happiness

Mark Holder, Ph.D. on November 9, 2016

Following the election, Republicans might seem happier than Democrats. Research shows that Republicans are usually happier—even when they lose.

Following the election, Republicans might seem happier than Democrats. Research shows that Republicans are usually happier—even when they lose.

Happiness
The First Step to Happiness

Mark Holder, Ph.D. on November 5, 2016

With over 5000 articles released on happiness every month, where do you start? What's the first step to increasing your happiness?

With over 5000 articles released on happiness every month, where do you start? What's the first step to increasing your happiness?