The Legacy of a Pioneering Happiness Researcher: Michael W. Fordyce (December 14, 1944–January 24, 2011)

Abstract

Presents an obituary of Michael W. Fordyce (1944–2011). He was recognized as a pioneer in the area of happiness research. He was also a professor of psychology at a state college, a psychologist in private practice, and author of popular materials on personal happiness. He was a pioneering leader in the scientific study of happiness. He designed a program to increase people’s happiness that is still influential today. Importantly, he studied the outcomes of his intervention program in a rigorous scientific way. When he began working in the field, it was very small. Because of his influence and that of other pioneers in the field of happiness research it has grown to an important scientific area today, and has had a significant influence in the world. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2013 APA, all rights reserved)