ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the authors use the terms happiness and well-being interchangeably. They describe a number of pathways by which so-called positive activities might undermine well-being instead of lifting it. Across the globe, most people desire happiness, and this desire transcends differences in age, culture, geographical location, political beliefs, religion, and life experiences. Happiness is desirable not just because it is pleasurable, but because it grants numerous benefits to both the individual and those around him or her. Hypothesized mediators, such as the satisfaction of psychological needs, suggest mechanisms by which positive activities operate to increase happiness. Person-level features may also impact the efficacy of positive activity interventions. Happiness seekers engaging in prosocial behaviour should ensure that they are responsive to the recipient's needs and ideally demonstrate their generosity face-to-face. Even individuals only proximally connected to the happiness seeker might suffer adverse effects on their well-being.
