Can You Trust Happiness Studies?

Published: Sept. 25, 2023, 10 a.m.

How to be happier is a topic covered in countless books, blogs, and podcasts. Consume enough of this content and you repeatedly come across the same recommendations that have purportedly been proven to increase happiness: exercise, spend time in nature, meditate, socialize, and practice gratitude. \n\nBut is there actual scientific\xa0evidence that these strategies work?\n\nToday on the show, we'll find out what professor\xa0of social psychology\xa0Elizabeth Dunn discovered\xa0when she did a study of happiness studies, and what the surprising findings have to do with the "replication crisis" that's\xa0occurred\xa0in science. In the second half of our conversation, Elizabeth shares the takeaways of a few well-vetted\xa0happiness studies\xa0she's done herself, including how to spend your money and use technology to increase happiness. And we discuss how to apply these findings, and the findings of all happiness studies, in a wise way that takes into account your unique personality and peculiarities. \n\nAfter the show is over, check out the show notes at aom.is/happinessstudies