ABSTRACT
The pursuit of happiness is a valued and celebrated life-goal for many people. In the USA, the Declaration of Independence granted citizens certain constitutional rights that governments are committed to protect. Research into happiness often uses self-report questionnaires to measure the two components of subjective wellbeing (SWB): satisfaction with life and people’s emotional experience. A substantial body of research has examined the benefits of happiness by comparing between people with varying levels of SWB, conducting longitudinal studies on the outcomes of earlier levels of happiness, and through the use of experimental research designs that examine the effectiveness of positive psychology activities that can enhance happiness. Happy people consistently report better health and fewer ailments compared to less happy individuals, and therefore require fewer doctor appointments and hospital visits, fewer medications and fewer sick leave days. Happiness is considered a strong criterion for assessing people’s mental health.
