The Science of Happiness: Seven Lessons for Living Well by Bruce Hood - Non Fiction - Paperback

Details

Condition: BRAND NEW
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781398526419
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Age Range: Adult / General Non-Fiction

Overview

The Science of Happiness: Seven Lessons for Living Well is a brand-new paperback by award-winning psychologist Bruce Hood, Professor of Developmental Psychology at the University of Bristol. Drawing on his hugely popular university course of the same name, Hood distils decades of research into seven practical, evidence-based lessons for building genuine, lasting happiness — a smart, warm guide for anyone wondering why happiness feels elusive.

About the Book

Why do so many of us start life happy as children, only to become dissatisfied, anxious adults? In The Science of Happiness, Bruce Hood tackles this question head-on, arguing that the modern obsession with self-care has got it backwards. Real, sustained happiness, he shows, comes not from turning inward but from genuine connection with others. Hood created the most popular course at the University of Bristol on this subject, and this book distils that teaching into seven clear, actionable lessons designed to help readers break negative thought patterns, escape unhelpful comparison traps, and find more presence and joy in everyday life. Blending rigorous psychological research with wit and warmth, Hood challenges popular wellness myths, replacing them with a grounded, scientifically supported framework for living well. The book has earned praise from leading happiness researchers, including Laurie Santos of Yale's The Happiness Lab and Robert Waldinger, author of The Good Life. Whether you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or simply curious about the psychology of contentment, this book offers a refreshingly honest, practical route towards a happier, more connected life — without empty platitudes or quick fixes. It's a book that rewards slow reading and reflection, encouraging readers to try small, tangible changes rather than chase an unattainable ideal of constant positivity.

• Written by a leading psychologist and university professor with decades of research experience
• Based on Bristol University's most popular course on happiness
• Seven clear, practical lessons grounded in real scientific evidence
• Praised by internationally renowned happiness researchers and authors
• Engaging, witty writing style that makes complex psychology accessible
• Ideal gift for anyone interested in wellbeing, self-improvement or psychology

About the Author

Bruce Hood is a Canadian-born British experimental psychologist and an award-winning Professor of Developmental Psychology at the University of Bristol. He is the author of several acclaimed books, including SuperSense, The Self Illusion, The Domesticated Brain and Possessed. Hood has appeared extensively on TV and radio, including co-hosting the BBC podcast The Happiness Half Hour. He is a Fellow of the American Psychological Society, the Royal Institution of Great Britain and the British Psychological Society.

Why You'll Love This Book

Warm, evidence-based and genuinely useful, this is happiness advice without the fluff. Bruce Hood's seven lessons offer a refreshing, research-backed alternative to self-help clichés — perfect for readers ready to build real connection and lasting contentment.

Please Note: Cover shown is the UK edition; ISBN and edition may vary slightly depending on print run.