Author(s)

Matthew T. Gailliot

University of Albany, Albany, USA.

This paper presents a literature review that indicate happiness as a state of freely available or surplus energy. Happiness is associated with good metabolism and glucose levels, fewer demands (from parenting, work, difficult social relationships, or personal threats), and goal achievement, as well as increased ease of processing, mental resources, social support, and monetary wealth. Each of these either provide or help conserve energy.

Happiness; Emotion; Energy; Efficiency

Gailliot, M. (2012). Happiness as Surplus or Freely Available Energy. Psychology, 3, 702-712. doi: 10.4236/psych.2012.39107.