Greater Good

Feeling fed up and burned out, Dad? That may be a sign of progress, says Jeremy Adam Smith.

Dependence is nothing to be ashamed of, says Rick Hanson—and accepting our natural interdependence can make us stronger.

A giant in the field of social psychology draws on five decades of teaching and research to reveal the secrets of a fulfilling life to today's graduating seniors.

Job satisfaction is at record lows. What does it take to overcome the fear of change, especially in tough economic times?

What will it take for you to lead a happy life?

Emma Seppala explains how compassionate workplaces are good for employee health and the corporate bottom line.

A new study says materialistic values can worsen conflict between family and work.

A new study shows how seeking happiness at the right time may be more important than seeking happiness all the time.

Jeremy Adam Smith offers five more tips to help men find a happy fit between paid work and family responsibilities.

A new report finds that fitting work with family isn't just a women's issue. Jeremy Adam Smith offers 10 tips for helping fathers to navigate a changing landscape at home and on the job.

New research suggests that cutting back on life’s pleasures helps us enjoy them significantly more.

Life is full of tradeoffs between benefits and costs, says Rick Hanson—but the brain isn't always good at telling one from the other.

The "Up" documentaries have followed 14 people from ages seven to 56—and in the process illustrated recent discoveries about the science of a meaningful life.

Tips for regaining friendly relations with your loved one

Sonja Lyubomirsky explains what we misunderstand about happiness, and how we can get it right--part of Greater Good's podcast series.

A recent study validates a simple task that might preserve marital satisfaction over the long haul.

Love is fleeting, says one of the world's leading experts on positive emotion. But with practice, you can foster love anytime you wish—and in doing so, renew old bonds.

An easy way to feel more in love.

Are you content to postpone happiness to promote achievement?

Love is a lot like the air, says Rick Hanson. It may be hard to see—but it’s in you and all around you.

Double down for one more week and reap the benefits.

According to Sonja Lyubomirsky's new book, what should make you happy sometimes doesn't—and what shouldn't make you happy often does!

A giant in the field of social psychology draws on five decades of teaching and research to reveal the secrets of a fulfilling life to today's graduating seniors.

Here's a way to be thankful all year long.

Job satisfaction is at record lows. What does it take to overcome the fear of change, especially in tough economic times?

Emma Seppala explains how compassionate workplaces are good for employee health and the corporate bottom line.

Rick Hanson explains how you can intentionally change your brain to create lasting happiness and well-being.

How to teach kids loving-kindness meditation

Feeling fed up and burned out, Dad? That may be a sign of progress, says Jeremy Adam Smith.

My favorite gratitude practices.

Robert Emmons offers everyday tips for living a life of gratitude.

A recent study validates a simple task that might preserve marital satisfaction over the long haul.

A new report finds that fitting work with family isn't just a women's issue. Jeremy Adam Smith offers 10 tips for helping fathers to navigate a changing landscape at home and on the job.

Can feeling good ever be bad? New research says yes—and points the way to a healthier, more balanced life.

What will it take for you to lead a happy life?

Sonja Lyubomirsky explains what we misunderstand about happiness, and how we can get it right--part of Greater Good's podcast series.

A slideshow illustrating a dozen research-tested happiness activities you can start practicing today.

Need some motivation for practicing gratitude this Thanksgiving? Robert Emmons, the world's leading scientific expert on gratitude, reveals why gratitude is good for our bodies, our minds, and our relationships.

New research suggests that once you start doing nice things for other people, you might not want to stop.

A new study shows how seeking happiness at the right time may be more important than seeking happiness all the time.

Jason Marsh and Jill Suttie offer added incentives to get into the holiday spirit.

Love is fleeting, says one of the world's leading experts on positive emotion. But with practice, you can foster love anytime you wish—and in doing so, renew old bonds.

The most surprising, provocative, and inspiring findings published this past year.

Jeremy Adam Smith offers five more tips to help men find a happy fit between paid work and family responsibilities.

Can feeling good ever be bad? New research says yes—and points the way to a healthier, more balanced life.

Why a life of leisure may not bring us happiness.

A new study suggests Americans' happiness declines when there’s a wider gap between rich and poor.

Positive emotions don’t just make us feel good, explains Barbara Fredrickson. They transform our minds, our bodies, and our ability to bounce back from hard times. Learn Dr. Fredrickson’s research-tested formula for flourishing in life.

What Mitt Romney’s “47 percent” video reveals about the links between inequality, compassion, and happiness.

A recent survey looks at the link between money and happiness during hard times.

Positive psychology has identified ways people can increase their happiness. But what happiness habits are right for you?

Rick Hanson explains how you can intentionally change your brain to create lasting happiness and well-being.

Srikumar Rao, the “happiness guru” of the business world, discusses his ideas for finding joy and meaning in your job--part of Greater Good's podcast series.

James Baraz explains how you can really enjoy the holidays.

The most surprising, provocative, and inspiring findings published this past year.

A study shows that admiration from peers—not wealth or economic status—is what really makes us happy.

New momentum for governments' efforts to track the happiness of their citizens.

Can visualizing death make you happier? Research says yes. Here are four surprising ways to harness the power of negativity.

Internet searches for positive emotions and behaviors are increasing; searches for negative emotions are staying flat. We don't know why, but we know people are searching for what's good in humanity.

A new study suggests how our facial expressions affect our happiness.

Jason Marsh and Jill Suttie offer added incentives to get into the holiday spirit.

Research looks at how our thoughts about God relate to our happiness.

The most surprising, provocative, and inspiring findings published this past year.

Rick Hanson explains how you can intentionally change your brain to create lasting happiness and well-being.

Robert Emmons offers everyday tips for living a life of gratitude.

Need some motivation for practicing gratitude this Thanksgiving? Robert Emmons, the world's leading scientific expert on gratitude, reveals why gratitude is good for our bodies, our minds, and our relationships.

Here's a way to be thankful all year long.

In one troubled city, researchers and community members are working together to boost altruism among adolescents. What can their project teach other communities facing hard times?

A slideshow illustrating a dozen research-tested happiness activities you can start practicing today.

What Mitt Romney’s “47 percent” video reveals about the links between inequality, compassion, and happiness.

A review of Fully Present: The Science, Art, and Practice of Mindfulness and The Mindful Child

Love is fleeting, says one of the world's leading experts on positive emotion. But with practice, you can foster love anytime you wish—and in doing so, renew old bonds.

Jason Marsh and Jill Suttie offer added incentives to get into the holiday spirit.

Positive emotions don’t just make us feel good, explains Barbara Fredrickson. They transform our minds, our bodies, and our ability to bounce back from hard times. Learn Dr. Fredrickson’s research-tested formula for flourishing in life.

Emma Seppala explains how compassionate workplaces are good for employee health and the corporate bottom line.

New research suggests that once you start doing nice things for other people, you might not want to stop.

Can visualizing death make you happier? Research says yes. Here are four surprising ways to harness the power of negativity.

A giant in the field of social psychology draws on five decades of teaching and research to reveal the secrets of a fulfilling life to today's graduating seniors.

A new report finds that fitting work with family isn't just a women's issue. Jeremy Adam Smith offers 10 tips for helping fathers to navigate a changing landscape at home and on the job.

James Baraz explains how you can really enjoy the holidays.

Job satisfaction is at record lows. What does it take to overcome the fear of change, especially in tough economic times?

Can feeling good ever be bad? New research says yes—and points the way to a healthier, more balanced life.