Positive Psychology, well-being and happiness:

The Happiness Equation

100 Factors that can add to or subtract from your happiness

Psychology has traditionally concerned itself with malfunctioning human emotions such as anger and depression. In the last decade, however, the focus has begun to shift: the emergence of ‘positive psychology’ and the science of happiness hold out the hope that we might be able to improve the lives of millions of ordinary people if we are able to understand the sources of their happiness. Progress has been rapid, and science is already beginning to unravel the secrets of a contented life.

The Happiness Equation is a distillation of the latest research into well-being and a guide to the tools and strategies most likely to make you happy. Part self-development book, part psychology primer, it features 100 pieces of advice on what will and will not lead to a life of contentment. The information it presents is scientifically rigorous, often startling but never preachy.

• Interactive, ‘plus’ or ‘minus’ showing how each entry will add to, or detract from, your happiness quotient
• Psychological and scientific facts presented in an accessible, practical way with the full colour illustrations, charts and diagrams
• Written by leading experts on the psychology of happiness

About the Authors

Bridget Grenville-Cleave MBA FCCA has completed the MSc in Applied Positive Psychology at the University of East London, the first of its kind in Europe. She is a Charter Member of the International Positive Psychology Association, specialising in applying positive psychology to improve organisational performance. She also writes for the online journal, Positive Psychology News Daily.

Dr Ilona Boniwell is a Senior Lecturer in Positive Psychology at the University of East London. She founded and was the first Chair of the European Network of Positive Psychology. Dr Boniwell acted as the main consultant for the BBC2 series The Happiness Formula and is the author of Positive Psychology in a Nutshell.

“A friend gave me this book as a present and I really enjoyed it. Indeed,enough to buy several copies for friends this Christmas! I think its a perfect stocking filler gift as it makes a fun and easy-to-digest read. It’s a great read for anyone who likes to indulge in those personality questionnaires in magazines. If you are someone who is interested in a simple synopsis of the many factors that research has proved to make us happy, you will be in for some interesting surprises!”

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