Happiness
Parenthood Is More Likely to Make You Happy If You're a Man
A large new study finds that fathers are generally happier than childless men.
Can Government Spending Really Increase Happiness?
Research suggests it can—but the real answer is more complicated.
New Research Suggests That Government Spending Can Spread Happiness
Want a content citizenry? Try allocating tax dollars to roads, parks, and libraries.
Altruists Make More Money and Have More Kids
There's more evidence that selfishness is self-defeating.
What Americans Can Learn About Happiness From Denmark
Research shows "hygge," or intentional intimacy, is the driving force behind the Danes' generally positive attitude.
One Perk of Being Poor: Greater Feelings of Awe
New research finds people on different ends of the economic spectrum find happiness in different ways.
How Money Can Buy Happiness
The best use of spare cash is to purchase devices or services that save you time.
Are Children of Single Parents Less Satisfied With Life?
New research from Germany suggests growing up in a single-parent household produces a small but significant long-term negative impact.
Happy Thoughts Can Make You Sad
Not today, not tomorrow, but positive daydreaming may lead to depression down the road.
Come All Ye Failures
Though we wake in fear of mediocrity, let us cease to be crippled by it.
Those Are Boxes of Joy Under the Tree
Don't underestimate the happiness physical presents can produce.
The Future of Work: Having Our Pie and Eating It Too
The latest entry in a special project in which business and labor leaders, social scientists, technology visionaries, activists, and journalists weigh in on the most consequential changes in the workplace.
Here's a Reason to Smile: Happy People Live Longer
New research finds happier people live longer, on average, while angry ones are more likely to die early.
Research Gone Wild: Happiness on the Hill
Are conservatives more miserable than liberals?
With Age Comes Not Only Wisdom, but Trust
A large-scale study shows faith in one’s fellow man increases as we get older.
Happiness: Conservatives Proclaim It, Liberals Display It
New research throws into question the belief that right-wingers tend to be happier than those on the left.
Benefits of Marriage Study Hints at the Horrors of Middle Age
Marriage isn’t the happiness elixir America wants it to be. If anything, it simply distracts us from persisting economic and social injustices that undermine all types of relationships.
‘Don’t Worry, Be Happy’ Comes Easier to the Danes
New research finds the closer a nation is to the genetic make-up of Denmark, the happier its citizens are.
This Is Your Body on Laughter
Several new studies exploring the effects of laughter are contributing to a fast-growing body of research that finds just how important it is to keeping us happy, healthy, and sane.
Study: Enjoy Life More: Use Facebook Less
Contrary to our expectations, using Facebook dampens our spirits, leaving us feeling like we've wasted time, according to new research.
Study: Meaningful Work Boosts Happiness, Even for Lawyers
New research finds the lawyers who are most satisfied with their lives are those in public-service jobs.
Study: The Downside of Bargain Hunting
New research suggests people spend their money on material goods out of the belief that, compared to experiential purchases such as vacations, they provide better value for their money.
Your Kindness Is Good for You
Why we could all use a little more self-examination.
The Benefits of Walking on Fire
Those who participated in a fire-walking ritual felt happier and less fatigued afterwards than close relatives who spectated.