Harvard University recently announced plans to open a 'Center for Happiness' dedicated to the study of "positive psychological wellbeing." Since the release of the first World Happiness Report in 2012, researchers have been paying greater attention to the study of happiness. Now Harvard will be promoting such research by taking a multidisciplinary approach to the study of human fulfillment.
The new faculty will be called the Lee Kum Sheung Center for Health and Happiness since the Lee Kum Kee company is donating a significant amount of funding to the cause. The center will observe, analyze and promote positive aspects of socialization in order to help researchers understand how to best use our resources to help people live more fulfilling lives. As the co-director of the center Laura Kubzansky explains, "Medical and psychological practice and research have traditionally focused on the diseases and deficits that cause poor health. But there is real value in focusing on the positive side as well."
The opening of the Center for Happiness signals a growing interest in human happiness and the factors that contribute to fulfillment.
Happiness-Focused Research Centers
Harvard's Center for Happiness Will Promote and Study Happiness
Trend Themes
1. Happiness Research - The growing interest in happiness research could lead to new fields of study and innovative methods for improving human satisfaction and well-being.
2. Positive Psychology - The multidisciplinary approach of the Harvard Center for Happiness could pave the way for more research and industry applications of positive psychology.
3. Socialization Analysis - Observing and analyzing the positive aspects of socialization could provide valuable insights for industries looking to improve teamwork and collaboration among employees.
Industry Implications
1. Healthcare - The Lee Kum Sheung Center for Health and Happiness could use its multidisciplinary approach to promote mental health and positive psychological well-being in healthcare settings.
2. Education - Happiness research could have implications for education, leading to new methods to improve student well-being and academic performance.
3. Human Resources - The positive factors of socialization studied by the Center for Happiness could inform HR practices, leading to more effective team-building and employee satisfaction.