“As an expert in well-being, Oishi offers important insights based on his intense focus examining well-being across cultures. His unique perspective offers a rare opportunity for readers to consider how individual traits and behaviors operate within a societal context, and how these levels may interact to influence well-being.” (Analyses of Social Issues and Public Policy, 1 May 2013)
“This book is successful in its aim of providing an overview of happiness research that is linked to the psychological wealth of nations and addressing various angles on questions of conceptualization and measurement.” (PsycCRITIQUES, 6 February 2013)
From the Inside Flap
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.
From the Back Cover
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.
About the Author
Shigehiro Oishi is Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of Virginia. A personality and social psychologist, he is also an Associate Editor for Journal of Personality and Social Psychology.
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