Stability of Happiness Theories and Evidence on Whether Happiness Can Change [Paperback]

The right to pursue happiness is one of the dominant themes of western culture, and understanding the causes of happiness is one of the primary goals of the positive psychology movement. However, before the causality question can even be considered, a more basic question must be addressed: CAN happiness change? Reasons for skepticism include the notion of a genetic set point for happiness, i.e. a stable personal baseline of happiness to which individuals will always return, no matter how much their lives change for the better; the life-span stability of happiness-related traits such as neuroticism and extraversion; and the powerful processes of hedonic adaptation, which erode the positive effects of any fortuitous life change. This book investigates prominent theories on happiness with the research evidence to discuss when and how happiness changes and for how long.

• Identifies all major theories of happiness
• Reviews empirical results on happiness longevity/stability
• Discusses mitigating factors in what influences happiness longevity

Preface

Chapter 1 - Is it Possible to Become a Permanently Happier Person? Kennon M. Sheldon and Richard E. Lucas

Chapter 2 - Well-Being: Heritable and Changeable Espen Roysamb, Ragnhild Bang Nes, and Joar Vitterso

Chapter 3 - Symptoms of Wellness: Happiness and Eudaimonia from a Self-Determination Perspective Cody R. DeHaan and Richard M. Ryan

Chapter 4 - Is Lasting Change Possible? Lessons From the Hedonic Adaptation Prevention Model Christina Armenta, Katherine Jacobs Bao, Sonja Lyubomirsky, and Kennon M. Sheldon

Chapter 5 - Can Happiness Change? Theories and Evidence Robert A. Cummins

Chapter 6 - National Panel Studies Show Substantial Minorities Recording Long Term Change In Life SatisfactiolĀ