Most of us probably don’t believe we need a formal definition of happiness; we know it when we feel it, and we often use the term to describe a range of positive emotions, including joy, pride, contentment, and gratitude.
But to understand the causes and effects of happiness, researchers first need to define it. Many of them use the term interchangeably with “subjective well-being,” which they measure by simply asking people to report how satisfied they feel with their own lives and how much positive and negative emotion they’re experiencing.
In addition to making us feel good, studies have found that happiness actually improves other aspects of our lives. Here is an overview of some of the good stuff that research has linked to happiness.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
"Happiness Definition." Greater Good: The Science of a Meaningful Life. N.p., n.d. Web. . <http://greatergood.berkeley.edu/topic/happiness/definition>.
"Teaching Teens About Happiness." Teaching Teens About Happiness. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Apr. 2014. <http://www.sharefaith.com/guide/children-and-youth-groups/teaching-teens-about-happiness.html>.
"A Teenager's Search For Happiness." - ISM. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Apr. 2014. <http://isminc.com/e-letters/private-school-news/vol-9/no-4/a-teenagers-search-for-happiness>.
By Diana Mota
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