Happiness in the spotlight

With early January said to be the most depressing time of the year, many of us will be keen to know the secret of how we can be happier.

Health economist researcher Tessa Peasgood is putting happiness in the spotlight during a free talk as part of Teesside University’s An Audience With series.

Her talk, Steps to Happiness, will look at what makes us happy and why happiness is important to our well-being. Recent research by economists and psychologists has shed new light on the causes of happiness.

And while many of us might put money at the top of the list when considering what makes us happy, Tessa will examine how cash often matters far less than we might think.

Tessa said: 'The real challenge is identifying what causes happiness. And if we can be sure something makes people happy, what should we do about it?

'The Government began measuring national well-being last year, but what’s the appropriate role for a government in making individuals happy?'

The talk will also look at the work of Action for Happiness, a movement for positive social change which brings together people who want to play a part in creating a happier society and look at what they’re doing to promote happier living.

Action for Happiness has produced a list of 10 keys to happier living and Tessa will ask whether adopting this way of living will work for everyone.

Tessa’s work has looked at issues around measuring well-being and how measures of well-being can contribute to government policy. She has conducted research exploring the determinants of happiness.

Her free talk can be heard from noon to 1.30pm on Thursday 26 January in Room H0.01, Centuria Building, Teesside University.

Places must be booked by contacting Jane Hutchinson on 01642 738233 or email j.hutchinson@tees.ac.uk

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