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On Happiness: A Minimalist Perspective on a Complex Neural Circuitry and its Psychosocial Constructs

Journal of Happiness Studies volume 9, pages 489–501 (2008)Cite this article

Abstract

To the human race, Happiness is surely the most coveted of emotions, yet the science behind it is almost as elusive as how to attain and maintain it. An attempt to understand the basis of happiness and its components, in addition to other positive experiences, including mirth and laughter, is a formidable task. Happiness is a separate entity and is not the absence or the opposite of sadness. It deserves its own field of study. It is impermeable to money and transient pleasurable overshoots. This paper is an open invitation to explore the domain of Happiness, review its neuroanatomical and psychosocial constructs and live in its blissful unawareness.

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Acknowledgements

This paper is written in fond memories of conversations with Dr. Joseph H. Saleh on winding roads, nature walks, and The Fading Poetry of Old Lebanese Houses. Thank you. The authors would also like to acknowledge Dr. Barry Fogel for his precious time and comments while reviewing the article.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 221 Longwood Avenue, Mezzanine Level, Boston, MA, 02130, USA

    Zeina N. Chemali

  2. American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon

    Lama M. Chahine & Georges Naassan

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  1. Zeina N. Chemali
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  2. Lama M. Chahine
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  3. Georges Naassan
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Correspondence to Zeina N. Chemali.

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Chemali, Z.N., Chahine, L.M. & Naassan, G. On Happiness: A Minimalist Perspective on a Complex Neural Circuitry and its Psychosocial Constructs. J Happiness Stud 9, 489–501 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10902-007-9085-y

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Keywords

  • Happiness
  • Emotion
  • Mirth
  • Humor
  • Laughter