Science of Well-Being

How much do we know about what makes people thrive and societies flourish? While a vast body of research has been dedicated to understanding problems and disorders, we know remarkably little about the positive aspects of life, the things that make life worth living. This landmark volume heralds the emergence of a new field of science that endeavours to understand how individuals and societies thrive and flourish, and how this new knowledge can be applied to foster happiness, health and fulfillment, and institutions that encourage the development of these qualities. Taking a dynamic, cross-disciplinary approach, it sets out to explore the most promising routes to well-being, derived from the latest research in psychology, neuroscience, social science, economics and the effects of our natural environment. Designed for a general readership, this volume is of compelling interest to all those in the social, behavioural and biomedical sciences, the caring professions and policy makers. It provides a stimulating overview for any reader with a serious interest in the latest insights and strategies for enhancing our individual well-being, or the well-being of the communities in which we live and work.

Part 1 - Evolution and development 1: Randolph Nesse: Natural selection and the elusiveness of happiness 2: Eric B. Keverne: Understanding well-being in the evolutionary context of brain development 3: David J. P. Barker: The developmental origins of well-being 4: Sonia Lupien & Nathalie Wan: Successful ageing: from cell to self Part 2 - Physiology and neuroscience 5: Richard J. Davidson: Well-being and affective style: neural substrates and biobehavioural correlates 6: Stuart J. H. Biddle & Panteleimon Ekkekakis: Physically active lifestyle and well-being 7: Bernard Gesch: The potential of nutrition to promote physical and behavioural well-being Part 3 - Psychology of well-being 8: Barbara L. Fredrickson: The broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions 9: Nick Baylis: Relationship with reality and its role in the well-being of young adults 10: Martin E. P. Seligman, Acacia C. Parks & Tracy Steen: A balanced psychology and a full life 11: Daniel Kahneman & Jason Riis: Living, and thinking about it: two perspectives on life 12: Felicia A. Huppert: Positive mental health in individuals and populations Part 4 - Cultural perspectives 13: Susan Verducci & Howard Gardner: Good work: its nature, its nurture 14: Robert J. Sternberg & Elena Grigorenko: Intelligence and culture: how culture shapes what intelligence means and the implications for a science of well-being 15: Antonella Delle Fave & Fausto Massimini: The relevance of subjective well-being to social policies: optimal experience and tailored intervention 16: George Burns: Naturally happy, naturally healthy: the role of the natural environment in well-being Part 5 - Social and economic considerations 17: John Helliwell & Robert D. Putnam: The social context of well-being 18: Robert Frank: Does money buy happiness? 19: Johan Galtung: Meeting basic needs: peace and development 20: Nic Marks & Hetan Shah: A well-being manifesto for a flourishing society