The Psychological Wealth of Nations

What exactly does it mean to be happy? Can we measure it? If individuals are happy, does this necessarily make for a more content and healthy society? In answering these questions and others, The Psychological Wealth of Nations reviews the range of scientific research related to individual and societal happiness.

The first half of the book examines individual happiness, beginning with conceptual and measurement issues such as defining and measuring psychological wealth and proceeding to an exploration of predictors and consequences of happiness--who is happy, what makes them so, and what are the benefits.

The second section offers compelling insights into the ways individual happiness impacts the psychological wealth of overall society. Drawing on the most up-to-date scholarship and research findings, the book concludes that while wealthy societies are indeed the happiest ones, it is not necessarily true that societal economic growth goes hand-in-hand with the greater happiness of individual citizens. It reveals that other non-economic factors--such as the availability of social support and social justice--are also important predictors of the psychological wealth of nations.

Rooted in new research and delving into important issues of contemporary society, this book offers illuminating and thought-provoking insights into the complex and intricate balance that must be struck to maximize both individual happiness and societal well-being.