ABSTRACT
This book is about the consequences of happiness. Research has hitherto concentrated on
determinants of happiness exclusively.
Speculative theories on effects of happiness are contradictory. Some
claim that happiness turns people into 'contented cows' and imply that a certain degree of
unhappiness is actually better for man and society. Other assert that it precisely leads
to zest and makes people and society flourish.
This book presents first attempts to identify consequences of happiness
empirically. It considers the effects on: outlook, work performance, resistance to stress,
health and social functioning. None of the predicted adverse effects are found, but
several positive effects are demonstrated.