The science of well-being
[January 2004 - Novartis Foundation Bulletin] Dr Felicia Huppert (University of Cambridge) broadly defines well-being as a positive and sustainable state which allows individuals, communities and nations to thrive and flourish. This focus on 'life going well' is motivated by the belief that mainstream psychology, medicine and education have, since the second world war, focused almost exclusively on putting right our human illnesses and shortcomings. Hence, this conference aimed to encourage scientists and practitioners to consider what can be learnt from studying positive human emotions and strengths, and positive health and resilience. ...