The functional and dysfunctional aspects of happiness: Cognitive, physiological, behavioral, and health considerations

Abstract

Research on happiness and the positive effects it has on cognition, physiology, behavior, and health have been on the rise. This chapter seeks to refine these positions through a functionalist approach, arguing that happiness is largely beneficial. However, all is not sanguine as happiness facilitates distraction and mindlessness, seeking happiness can reduce happiness, and excessive happiness can push others away. This chapter reviews the evidence for when happiness is functional and dysfunctional, providing a theoretical framework for knowing when it is favorable to be happy and when it is not.