The benefits of frequent positive affect: does happiness lead to success?

Psychol Bull. 2005 Nov;131(6):803-55. doi: 10.1037/0033-2909.131.6.803.

Abstract

Numerous studies show that happy individuals are successful across multiple life domains, including marriage, friendship, income, work performance, and health. The authors suggest a conceptual model to account for these findings, arguing that the happiness-success link exists not only because success makes people happy, but also because positive affect engenders success. Three classes of evidence--crosssectional, longitudinal, and experimental--are documented to test their model. Relevant studies are described and their effect sizes combined meta-analytically. The results reveal that happiness is associated with and precedes numerous successful outcomes, as well as behaviors paralleling success. Furthermore, the evidence suggests that positive affect--the hallmark of well-being--may be the cause of many of the desirable characteristics, resources, and successes correlated with happiness. Limitations, empirical issues, and important future research questions are discussed.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological / physiology*
  • Affect / physiology*
  • Friends / psychology
  • Happiness*
  • Health
  • Humans
  • Income
  • Job Satisfaction
  • Marriage / psychology
  • Models, Psychological
  • Negativism
  • Personal Satisfaction*
  • Time Factors