Significant Results

Using research findings to tell a more positive story.

by Robert Biswas-Diener

A New Solution to Education

The solution to education might be found in the relationship between teachers and students. Read More

What Do All People Have in Common?

This Saturday—February 11,2012—is called "World Happy Day." In part, this global event is related to the launch of a new documentary called Happy, directed by Academy Award nominee Roko Belic (Genghis Blues). Read More

A Positive Look at Failure

If you think making mistakes is bad news then think again! In some instances errors are the best ways of improving performance. Read More

"Blue Monday" Explained...

You probably didn't know that there is a small debate at hand among emotion researchers with regards to drums and thermostats. It turns out that there are those experts who think of emotions as changing in a rhythmic cycle, like the beating of the drum. Read More

Do you live in a circus tent or a retreat center?

I recently posted photos of my house on Facebook because, I realized, I love my house so much that I wanted to share it with others, if even in a small way. I don't live in a mansion and there is nothing all that remarkable about my two car garage or wooden deck. My house is not necessarily the cause for any bragging rights. Read More

How funny saves marriages

At a recent family gathering my wife wore a T-shirt that read "I moved a heavy piece of furniture, ask me how!" And when my large brother-in-law asked her "how" she recruited him to move the furniture! My wife is, as you might have guessed, funny. Read More

Revenge Is Good for You! Part 1

Although revenge has a bad reputation new research suggests that it can be psychologically healthy! Read More

What positive psychologists won't tell you about negative emotions!

Happiness is an easy sell to most people, and within positive psychology circles it trumps just about every other topic. The simple fact is that people want to feel pleasure and avoid pain. In fact, research from international samples shows that people highly desire happiness. Read More

Feedback that motivates!

You have likely experienced feedback at some point in your life: perhaps it was a supervisor commenting on your job performance, or a teacher evaluating your scholarship, or a spouse or friend criticizing the way you behave. Read More