Research Database

Use the filters on the left to sort research by publication date, asset type, health asset, or health outcome.

May 2011
Heart Health When Life is Satisfying: Evidence from the Whitehall II Cohort Study
It seems like common sense that being depressed or anxious is not good for a person’s health. But does well-being offer protective effects on cardiovascular health?
March 2011
Happy People Live Longer: Subjective Well-Being Contributes to Health and Longevity
In this study, researchers review seven types of evidence that shows high subjective well-being (SWB)--including life satisfaction, absence of negative emotions, optimism, and positive emotions--cause better health and longevity. Examples of each type of evidence are described, and issues such as causality, effect size, methodological rigor, whether too much happiness can be detrimental to health, and whether there is a threshold effect for SWB are discussed.