The Science of Happiness
Dr. Nancy Etcoff is a psychologist at Harvard Medical School and a faculty member at the Harvard Mind/Brain/Behavior Initiative. A leading researcher in the field of positive psychology, she studies the science of happiness, beauty and emotional well-being. Her book “Survival of the Prettiest” explored the evolutionary roots of aesthetic preference. Etcoff’s research combines neuroscience, philosophy and behavioral science to better understand the human pursuit of joy, meaning and mental health.
Overview
Harvard Medical School psychologist Dr. Nancy Etcoff explores what makes us happy and why it matters. Emotions like joy, love and awe aren’t just fleeting feelings—they’re rooted in our biology and critical to our well-being. This talk dives into how understanding happiness can improve mental health, relationships and our outlook on life.