Sustainable Happiness: How Happiness Studies Can Contribute to a More Sustainable Future

Sustainable development and sustainability have been fostering interdisciplinary research and policy development for two decades. Likewise, positive psychology and happiness studies are stimulating interdisciplinary research with implications for policy and practice. O’Brien (2005) defined sustainable happiness as the pursuit of happiness that does not exploit other people, the environment, or future generations. Bringing sustainability and happiness together within the concept of sustainable happiness holds significant possibilities for individual, community, and global well-being. Sustainable happiness is discussed with respect to liveable communities, child-friendly planning, and education