FAQ > About Subjective Well-Being (Happiness and Life Satisfaction), by Dr. Diener > Q: Is happiness real, or is it just in people's imaginations? Is it an epiphenomenon, just a touchy-feely idea that some people worry about?
Search the FAQ for entries containing:
A: We are finding that happiness is not something shallow, or just a gimmick or imaginary thing. We can measure people's SWB, not just through what they say, but also biologically and through what others can see. In addition, high SWB seems to have certain consequences that are measurable - for example, in health, in work performance, and even in the likelihood of committing suicide. Thus, "happiness" can be measured, and has observable and measurable outcomes.
Last updated on September 14, 2007 by Dr. Walt