The Social Psychology of Living Well

How to live well and the search for meaning have long been of intense concern to humans, perhaps because homo sapiens is the only species aware of its own mortality. In the last few decades, empirical psychology made a major contribution to this quest. This book surveys ground-breaking work by leading international researchers, demonstrating that social psychology is the core discipline for understanding well-being and the search for meaning. Basic conceptual and theoretical principles are discussed, drawing on philosophy, evolutionary theory and psychology, followed by a review of the role of purposeful, motivated activity and self-control in achieving life satisfaction. The role of emotional and cognitive processes and the influence of social, interpersonal and cultural factors in promoting a happy and meaningful life are discussed. The book will be of interest to students, practitioners and researchers in the behavioral and social sciences, as well as to lay persons, for whom improving the quality of human life and understanding the principles of well-being are of interest.

Joseph P. Forgas is Scientia Professor at the University of New South Wales, Australia. He has received numerous awards, including the Distinguished Scientific Contribution Award from the Australian Psychological Society.

Roy F. Baumeister is Professor of Social Psychology at the University of Queensland, Australia. In 2013, he received the William James Fellow award by the Association for Psychological Science in recognition of his lifetime achievements.