Positive Psychology

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Professor Jonathan Haidt

15 January 2015

5.00pm - 6.30pm

SMU Mochtar Riady Auditorium

Singapore

Although Singapore had become one of the richest countries in the world, the National Workplace Happiness Survey 2014 found that Singapore's overall workplace happiness index fell within the band of "Under Happy". Could this be due to income inequality which has increasingly become a concern in the nation? Can research in positive psychology help to build a "happier" society, so to speak? Research has revealed that many factors are at play in an individual's happiness: strong relationships of trust and love, engagement with work that allows people to use their strengths.

A highly sought-after speaker worldwide, Professor Jonathan Haidt discussed findings from positive psychology, and how societal structures impact human well-being and fulfilment, to achieve a life well-lived.

Research shows that as nations become more safe and secure, emphasis is placed on quality of life, the environment and self-expression.
Studies have shown that happiness is among the most inheritable traits, suggesting that each person has a biological set point for happiness.
Finding your strengths, nurturing relationships, group activities and choosing experiences over goods are four tips for a happier life.

Speaker

Professor Jonathan Haidt

Thomas Cooley Professor of Ethical Leadership
New York University’s Stern School of Business

On his 'happiness hypothesis'

Happiness comes from getting the right kind of engagement between yourself and others, yourself and your work, and yourself, and something larger than yourself. If you get those conditions right as an individual, then just wait, and purpose meaning will grow.

Happiness comes from getting the right kind of engagement between yourself and others, yourself and your work, and yourself, and something larger than yourself. If you get those conditions right as an individual, then just wait, and purpose meaning will grow.

Jonathan Haidt
Thomas Cooley Professor of Ethical Leadership
New York University’s Stern School of Business

I think one of the great contributions of positive psychology is that there are some things that you should strive for. It is good to strive. It turns out there are a number of things that you should strive for if you want to be happy.