Dr. Fred and Dr. Frank asked Sonja Lyubomirsky about her reasons for choosing happiness as the focus of her work, the relationship between happiness and spirituality and religiosity, and ways midlifers and beyond can develop their experience of happiness based on her research.
Dr. FredAs an academic, what had you choose happiness as the focus of your work?
Dr. FrankYour work on happiness is set within an empirical framework. In the preface to your book, you say and I quote, "Empirical research holds multiple advantages over anecdotal or clinical observations." Can you tell us about that?
Dr. FrankI'd like to follow up the previous question. Barbara Fredrickson in her book, Positivity, does not include "happiness" in her positivity palette, as she calls it. She avoids the term "happiness" because she feels, and I quote, "it's murky and overused." What is your reaction to that?
Dr. FredWhat have you discovered on the relationship between happiness and spirit? There's a trend of more and more people developing their spirituality and moving away from their religious orientation.
Dr. FrankIn what ways do midlifers and beyond differ in their experience of happiness and how they develop it?
Dr. FredIn one section of your happiness book called, "Secrets to Abiding Happiness, " you write about the "five hows" behind sustainable happiness. Your first "how," deals with positive emotions. Can you highlight the "hows" that are particularly relevant to midlifers and beyond?
Dr. FrankWhat message would you like to leave with midlifers and beyond who want to live a happier life?
Shifting Gears at Midlife: a transformational e-course.
