Psychology and You

Happiness & You: What Actually Makes Us Happy? The Science of Well-Being

What actually makes us happy? Is it money, relationships, genetics, or the little things we do every day?

In this episode of Psychology & You, we explore the science behind happiness. From quick bursts of pleasure to long-term fulfillment, we unpack the difference between hedonic and eudaimonic happiness and ask what it really takes to build a satisfying life.

Along the way, we cover:

🧠 Positive psychology and the role of neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin🎓 The fascinating findings of the Harvard Grant Study💸 The complicated relationship between money and well-being🔄 Why we adapt to new circumstances, and why having more doesn’t always mean feeling happier👀 How comparing ourselves to others affects our satisfaction

Most importantly, we turn the research into practical takeaways you can try today. 

Listen in, reflect with us, and discover what science can teach us about living well.

We publish monthly episodes, so follow us if you want to stay connected and stay tuned for more!

The studies and publications listed below informed this episode and offer opportunities to explore the topic further. We aim to present psychological research in an accessible and balanced way, while recognizing that scientific findings evolve. If we forgot something, reach out to us. 

And remember, don’t take everything too seriously! This podcast is all about sparking curiosity, encouraging reflection, and starting conversations, not providing definitive answers or telling you how to live your life. Take what resonates with you, stay curious, and remember that everyone’s experiences and perspectives are different!

References :

Bartels, M., Nes, R. B., Armitage, J. M., van de Wijer, M. P., de Vries, L. P., & Haworth, C. (2022). Exploring the biological basis for happiness.

Dunn, E. W., Gilbert, D. T., & Wilson, T. D. (2011). If money doesn’t make you happy, then you probably aren’t spending it right. Journal of Consumer Psychology, 21(2), 115–125. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcps.2011.02.002

Dunn, E. W., Aknin, L. B., & Norton, M. I. (2014). Prosocial spending and happiness. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 23(1), 41–47. https://doi.org/10.1177/0963721413512503

Gazettemikepetroff, & Gazettemikepetroff. (2024, January 11). Good genes are nice, but joy is better. Harvard Gazette. https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2017/04/over-nearly-80-years-harvard-study-has-been-showing-how-to-live-a-healthy-and-happy-life/

Kahneman, D., & Deaton, A. (2010). High income improves evaluation of life but not emotional well-being.Proceedings of the NationalAcademy of Sciences, 107(38), 16489–16493.https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1011492107 

Killingsworth, M. A. (2021). Experienced well-being rises with income, even above $75,000 per year.Proceedings of the National Academyof Sciences, 118(4), Article e2016976118.

Killingsworth, M. A., Kahneman, D., & Mellers, B. (2023). Income and emotional well-being: A conflictresolved. Proceedings ofthe National Academy of Sciences, 120(10), Article e2208661120.https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2208661120

Lyubomirsky, S., Sheldon, K. M., & Schkade, D. (2005). Pursuing happiness: The architecture of sustainable change. Review of General Psychology, 9(2), 111–131. https://doi.org/10.1037/1089-2680.9.2.111

Hey There! Welcome to Psychology & You – The Podcast for You.

We’re Debby and Hannah, friends since birth and both trained in clinical psychology, based in Amsterdam and Berlin. We’ve spent countless hours talking about how our minds work, how society shapes us, and how psychology shows up in everyday life.

In this podcast, we break down evidence-based psychology — from happiness and relationships to the questions we all quietly ask ourselves. We share the theory, the latest research, and most importantly: what you can actually do with it.

This is a space for honest conversations, curiosity, and real-life insights.

So welcome to Psychology & You — let’s be curious and figure it out together.