8. The argument for no :(
8
Our genes set our
level of happiness...
…and thanks to
hedonic adaptation,
we’re never satisfied.
9. Positive psychology
“We believe that a psychology of positive
human functioning will arise that
achieves a scientific understanding and
effective interventions to build thriving in
individuals, families, and communities.“
-Martin Seligman and
Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
The case for Yes!
9
10. Subjective well-being =
+ frequent positive affect
+ infrequent negative affect
+ high life satisfaction
An Operational Definition of Happiness
10
11. Where does happiness come from?
11
50% “Set Point” -
Genetics
Lyubomirsky, S, Sheldon, K.M., & Schkade, D. (2005). Pursuing Happiness: The Architecture of Sustainable
Change. Review of General Psychology, 9, 111- 131.
12. Where does happiness come from?
12
50% “Set Point” -
Genetics
10% circumstances
Lyubomirsky, S, Sheldon, K.M., & Schkade, D. (2005). Pursuing Happiness: The Architecture of Sustainable
Change. Review of General Psychology, 9, 111- 131.
13. Where does happiness come from?
13
Lyubomirsky, S, Sheldon, K.M., & Schkade, D. (2005). Pursuing Happiness: The Architecture of Sustainable
Change. Review of General Psychology, 9, 111- 131.
50% “Set Point” -
Genetics
10% circumstances
40% intentional activities
14. Where does happiness come from?
14
50% “Set Point” -
Genetics
10% circumstances
40% intentional activities
Half of what
makes people
happy can be
impacted by
design.
15. Can we make people happier?
15
50% “Set Point” -
Genetics
10% circumstances
16. Can we make people happier?
16
50% “Set Point” -
Genetics
40% intentional activities
17. Can we make people happier?
17
50% “Set Point” -
Genetics
40% intentional activities
Subjective well-being =
+ frequent positive affect
+ infrequent negative affect
+ high life satisfaction