Science of Happiness

Course Description

The scientific understanding of happiness has increased exponentially in recent decades across various disciplines. This nanocourse will provide an overview of the science of happiness, including academic and practical applications and perspectives from the fields of psychology, biology, and public health. 

The following key questions will be addressed: How is happiness defined and measured in research studies? What is the evidence for beneficial effects of happiness, particularly within the context of physical and mental health? Are there biological correlates of happiness? What interventions have been demonstrated to be effective in promoting happiness, and do they have implications for mental and physical health? 

Through a short series of sessions comprised of lectures and experiential learning activities, students will be exposed to findings from interdisciplinary research. Session 1 will be focused he rationale and methods used for studying happiness as well as the the biological effects and correlates of happiness. Session 2 will focus on the tools and interventions designed to measure and promote positive psychological well-being. 

Ultimately, students will gain the ability to interpret and understand happiness research, become more critical consumers of the research in this area, and better evaluate how recommendations can be applied in various contexts, including their personal lives. We also hope that students will be able to reflect on the course material from a personal standpoint, as happiness in real life is just as important as it is in the literature.

Course objectives 

Students in this course will be able to:

• Describe why and how positive psychological functioning, including happiness, is studied and how it can be relevant to biological and health sciences.
• Describe how happiness and related positive psychological constructs are reflected in biology both as an antecedent to biological processes as well as what downstream effects have been observed on biological processes and health.
• Describe the principles and current state of knowledge of positive psychology interventions in improving well-being and health
• Describe key future directions to consider as the happiness and health literature continues to expand.
• Reflect on how the presented methods could be applied in their field of research, if appropriate (i.e., whether constructs of happiness could be utilized as a predictor, outcome, or modifier in their studies or fields).
• Evaluate the validity of research results in the field of positive psychological functioning. 

Class Schedule

Dates:

• Friday, January 16, 2026

• Friday, January 23, 2026

Time: 1-4 PM

Classroom: TMEC 328 

Milestone credit 

In order to complete the milestone credit, students must:

• Attend both class sessions
• Respond to the online pre-course survey

1. Complete the following final assignment after the course: Write a 1-2 page reflection how the course changed your perspective of happiness research or a construct of positive psychological functioning.
   1. Option A: Focus on personal reflections. Choose a specific construct from the course and reflect on both the gained scientific knowledge and the personal reflections awakened.
   2. Option B: Focus on a method. Your reflection should elaborate on a chosen presented method and how you could apply the method to your research field (or a future area of interest). 

Students can combine Nanocourse Milestones for credit. More information can be found here.

Course directors/instructors

Säde Stenlund (MD, PhD); sstenlund@hsph.harvard.edu

Cameron R. Wiley (PhD); cwiley@hsph.harvard.edu

Enrollment

Open to all in the Harvard/Boston community who are able to attend the sessions in person. No upper limit. Priority will be given to Harvard graduate students taking the course for credit. 

To register for this course, please complete this form by Friday, January 9.

https://hms.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_emQejPj5n6JBuoC 

Students requiring accommodations should contact the Disability Access Office upon admission to the nanocourse. Please provide the course name, instructor’s name and email, and course dates to ensure timely communication of accomodations.