Reflections on happiness

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the twenty-first century reach and impact of “happiness” work by one individual (Professor Lord Richard Layard).

Design/methodology/approach

The author approaches his work as a public health case study, with the caveat that the author knew this “Case” personally, which could influence the author’s assessment.

Findings

During 2005-2018, Richard Layard stimulated discussion of “happiness” as a field of study. This field now has global relevance to mental health, although its relationship to practice for population health is still debated.

Originality/value

Layard’s ideas are behind many initiatives, such as Improving Access to Psychological Therapies.

Citation

Caan, W. (2018), "Reflections on happiness", Journal of Public Mental Health, Vol. 17 No. 2, pp. 90-91. https://doi.org/10.1108/JPMH-04-2018-0021