Sonja Lyubomirsky

Distinguished Professor, University of California, Riverside

Research Expertise

well-being
History and Philosophy of Science
Sociology and Political Science
Developmental and Educational Psychology
Clinical Psychology
Social Psychology
Psychiatry and Mental health
Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management
Applied Psychology
Experimental and Cognitive Psychology
Anthropology
Cultural Studies
Complementary and alternative medicine
Biological Psychiatry
Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine
Marketing
Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis
Endocrine and Autonomic Systems
Endocrinology
Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
Epidemiology
Developmental Neuroscience
Gender Studies
Education
Cognitive Neuroscience
Neuropsychology and Physiological Psychology
Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law
Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment
Geography, Planning and Development
Building and Construction

About

Professor Lyubomirsky’s research interests include well-being, happiness, self-regulation, and talents. She is widely published, with well over 100 articles and chapters and four books, The How of Happiness (Penguin, 2007), The Myths of Happiness (Penguin, 2013), The How of Happiness Workbook (Penguin, 2008), and Designing Your Life (Avery, 2016). Professor Lyubomirsky has received numerous awards for her work, including the American Psychological Association’s Positive Psychology Prize (2015), the American Psychological Association’s Distinguished Scientific Contribution Award (2009), and a Guggenheim Fellowship (2008-2009). She is a Fellow of the Association for Psychological Science and the American Psychological Association.

Publications

The Benefits of Frequent Positive Affect: Does Happiness Lead to Success?

Psychological Bulletin / Jan 01, 2005

Lyubomirsky, S., King, L., & Diener, E. (2005). The Benefits of Frequent Positive Affect: Does Happiness Lead to Success? Psychological Bulletin, 131(6), 803–855. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.131.6.803

Rethinking Rumination

Perspectives on Psychological Science / Sep 01, 2008

Nolen-Hoeksema, S., Wisco, B. E., & Lyubomirsky, S. (2008). Rethinking Rumination. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 3(5), 400–424. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1745-6924.2008.00088.x

Pursuing Happiness: The Architecture of Sustainable Change

Review of General Psychology / Jun 01, 2005

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

Enhancing well-being and alleviating depressive symptoms with positive psychology interventions: a practice-friendly meta-analysis

Journal of Clinical Psychology / May 01, 2009

Sin, N. L., & Lyubomirsky, S. (2009). Enhancing well-being and alleviating depressive symptoms with positive psychology interventions: a practice-friendly meta-analysis. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 65(5), 467–487. https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.20593

The State of the Art in Happiness Advice; Can We Escape the Dodo-Verdict?

Journal of Happiness Studies / Apr 08, 2010

Bergsma, A. (2010). The State of the Art in Happiness Advice; Can We Escape the Dodo-Verdict? Journal of Happiness Studies, 11(5), 649–654. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10902-010-9200-3

Maximizing versus satisficing: Happiness is a matter of choice.

Journal of Personality and Social Psychology / Nov 01, 2002

Schwartz, B., Ward, A., Monterosso, J., Lyubomirsky, S., White, K., & Lehman, D. R. (2002). Maximizing versus satisficing: Happiness is a matter of choice. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 83(5), 1178–1197. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.83.5.1178

Effects of self-focused rumination on negative thinking and interpersonal problem solving.

Journal of Personality and Social Psychology / Jan 01, 1995

Lyubomirsky, S., & Nolen-Hoeksema, S. (1995). Effects of self-focused rumination on negative thinking and interpersonal problem solving. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 69(1), 176–190. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.69.1.176

Why are some people happier than others? The role of cognitive and motivational processes in well-being.

American Psychologist / Jan 01, 2001

Lyubomirsky, S. (2001). Why are some people happier than others? The role of cognitive and motivational processes in well-being. American Psychologist, 56(3), 239–249. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066x.56.3.239

How Do Simple Positive Activities Increase Well-Being?

Current Directions in Psychological Science / Feb 01, 2013

Lyubomirsky, S., & Layous, K. (2013). How Do Simple Positive Activities Increase Well-Being? Current Directions in Psychological Science, 22(1), 57–62. https://doi.org/10.1177/0963721412469809

How to increase and sustain positive emotion: The effects of expressing gratitude and visualizing best possible selves

The Journal of Positive Psychology / Apr 01, 2006

Sheldon, K. M., & Lyubomirsky, S. (2006). How to increase and sustain positive emotion: The effects of expressing gratitude and visualizing best possible selves. The Journal of Positive Psychology, 1(2), 73–82. https://doi.org/10.1080/17439760500510676

Self-perpetuating properties of dysphoric rumination.

Journal of Personality and Social Psychology / Aug 01, 1993

Lyubomirsky, S., & Nolen-Hoeksema, S. (1993). Self-perpetuating properties of dysphoric rumination. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 65(2), 339–349. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.65.2.339

Becoming happier takes both a will and a proper way: An experimental longitudinal intervention to boost well-being.

Emotion / Apr 01, 2011

Lyubomirsky, S., Dickerhoof, R., Boehm, J. K., & Sheldon, K. M. (2011). Becoming happier takes both a will and a proper way: An experimental longitudinal intervention to boost well-being. Emotion, 11(2), 391–402. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0022575

Does Happiness Promote Career Success?

Journal of Career Assessment / Feb 01, 2008

Boehm, J. K., & Lyubomirsky, S. (2008). Does Happiness Promote Career Success? Journal of Career Assessment, 16(1), 101–116. https://doi.org/10.1177/1069072707308140

Effects of ruminative and distracting responses to depressed mood on retrieval of autobiographical memories.

Journal of Personality and Social Psychology / Jan 01, 1998

Lyubomirsky, S., Caldwell, N. D., & Nolen-Hoeksema, S. (1998). Effects of ruminative and distracting responses to depressed mood on retrieval of autobiographical memories. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 75(1), 166–177. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.75.1.166

Why ruminators are poor problem solvers: Clues from the phenomenology of dysphoric rumination.

Journal of Personality and Social Psychology / Jan 01, 1999

Lyubomirsky, S., Tucker, K. L., Caldwell, N. D., & Berg, K. (1999). Why ruminators are poor problem solvers: Clues from the phenomenology of dysphoric rumination. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 77(5), 1041–1060. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.77.5.1041

Health benefits: Meta-analytically determining the impact of well-being on objective health outcomes

Health Psychology Review / Mar 01, 2007

Howell, R. T., Kern, M. L., & Lyubomirsky, S. (2007). Health benefits: Meta-analytically determining the impact of well-being on objective health outcomes. Health Psychology Review, 1(1), 83–136. https://doi.org/10.1080/17437190701492486

What are the Differences between Happiness and Self-Esteem

Social Indicators Research / Oct 04, 2005

Lyubomirsky, S., Tkach, C., & DiMatteo, M. R. (2005). What are the Differences between Happiness and Self-Esteem. Social Indicators Research, 78(3), 363–404. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11205-005-0213-y

The costs and benefits of writing, talking, and thinking about life's triumphs and defeats.

Journal of Personality and Social Psychology / Jan 01, 2006

Lyubomirsky, S., Sousa, L., & Dickerhoof, R. (2006). The costs and benefits of writing, talking, and thinking about life’s triumphs and defeats. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 90(4), 692–708. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.90.4.692

Hedonic consequences of social comparison: A contrast of happy and unhappy people.

Journal of Personality and Social Psychology / Jan 01, 1997

Lyubomirsky, S., & Ross, L. (1997). Hedonic consequences of social comparison: A contrast of happy and unhappy people. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 73(6), 1141–1157. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.73.6.1141

Achieving Sustainable Gains in Happiness: Change Your Actions, not Your Circumstances*

Journal of Happiness Studies / Mar 01, 2006

Sheldon, K. M., & Lyubomirsky, S. (2006). Achieving Sustainable Gains in Happiness: Change Your Actions, not Your Circumstances*. Journal of Happiness Studies, 7(1), 55–86. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10902-005-0868-8

How Do People Pursue Happiness?: Relating Personality, Happiness-Increasing Strategies, and Well-Being

Journal of Happiness Studies / Jun 01, 2006

Tkach, C., & Lyubomirsky, S. (2006). How Do People Pursue Happiness?: Relating Personality, Happiness-Increasing Strategies, and Well-Being. Journal of Happiness Studies, 7(2), 183–225. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10902-005-4754-1

The pains and pleasures of parenting: When, why, and how is parenthood associated with more or less well-being?

Psychological Bulletin / May 01, 2014

Nelson, S. K., Kushlev, K., & Lyubomirsky, S. (2014). The pains and pleasures of parenting: When, why, and how is parenthood associated with more or less well-being? Psychological Bulletin, 140(3), 846–895. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0035444

Examen de los estudios sobre la migración, la felicidad y el bienestar

Informe Sobre las Migraciones en el Mundo 2013 / Oct 24, 2013

Bartram, D., Laczko, F., Anich, R., & Aghazarm, C. (2013). Examen de los estudios sobre la migración, la felicidad y el bienestar. Informe Sobre Las Migraciones En El Mundo, 88–107. https://doi.org/10.18356/fb5b6605-es

Hedonic Adaptation to Positive and Negative Experiences

Oxford Handbooks Online / Nov 30, 2010

Lyubomirsky, S. (2010). Hedonic Adaptation to Positive and Negative Experiences. Oxford Handbooks Online. https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordhb/9780195375343.013.0011

Kindness Counts: Prompting Prosocial Behavior in Preadolescents Boosts Peer Acceptance and Well-Being

PLoS ONE / Dec 26, 2012

Layous, K., Nelson, S. K., Oberle, E., Schonert-Reichl, K. A., & Lyubomirsky, S. (2012). Kindness Counts: Prompting Prosocial Behavior in Preadolescents Boosts Peer Acceptance and Well-Being. PLoS ONE, 7(12), e51380. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0051380

A longitudinal experimental study comparing the effectiveness of happiness-enhancing strategies in Anglo Americans and Asian Americans

Cognition and Emotion / Feb 28, 2011

Boehm, J. K., Lyubomirsky, S., & Sheldon, K. M. (2011). A longitudinal experimental study comparing the effectiveness of happiness-enhancing strategies in Anglo Americans and Asian Americans. Cognition and Emotion, 25(7), 1263–1272. https://doi.org/10.1080/02699931.2010.541227

In Defense of Parenthood

Psychological Science / Nov 30, 2012

Nelson, S. K., Kushlev, K., English, T., Dunn, E. W., & Lyubomirsky, S. (2012). In Defense of Parenthood. Psychological Science, 24(1), 3–10. https://doi.org/10.1177/0956797612447798

Do unto others or treat yourself? The effects of prosocial and self-focused behavior on psychological flourishing.

Emotion / Sep 01, 2016

Nelson, S. K., Layous, K., Cole, S. W., & Lyubomirsky, S. (2016). Do unto others or treat yourself? The effects of prosocial and self-focused behavior on psychological flourishing. Emotion, 16(6), 850–861. https://doi.org/10.1037/emo0000178

The Consequences of Dysphoric Rumination

Depressive Rumination

Lyubomirsky, S., & Tkach, C. (n.d.). The Consequences of Dysphoric Rumination. Depressive Rumination, 21–41. https://doi.org/10.1002/9780470713853.ch2

What Is the Optimal Way to Deliver a Positive Activity Intervention? The Case of Writing About One’s Best Possible Selves

Journal of Happiness Studies / May 06, 2012

Layous, K., Katherine Nelson, S., & Lyubomirsky, S. (2012). What Is the Optimal Way to Deliver a Positive Activity Intervention? The Case of Writing About One’s Best Possible Selves. Journal of Happiness Studies, 14(2), 635–654. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10902-012-9346-2

Achieving Sustainable New Happiness: Prospects, Practices, and Prescriptions

Positive Psychology in Practice / Jul 30, 2004

Sheldon, K. M., & Lyubomirsky, S. (2004). Achieving Sustainable New Happiness: Prospects, Practices, and Prescriptions. Positive Psychology in Practice, 127–145. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1002/9780470939338.ch8

Can’t Quite Commit: Rumination and Uncertainty

Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin / Jan 01, 2003

Ward, A., Lyubomirsky, S., Sousa, L., & Nolen-Hoeksema, S. (2003). Can’t Quite Commit: Rumination and Uncertainty. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 29(1), 96–107. https://doi.org/10.1177/0146167202238375

The How, Why, What, When, and Who of Happiness

Positive Emotion / Jan 23, 2014

Layous, K., & Lyubomirsky, S. (2014). The How, Why, What, When, and Who of Happiness. Positive Emotion, 472–495. https://doi.org/10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199926725.003.0025

Variety is the Spice of Happiness: The Hedonic Adaptation Prevention Model

Oxford Handbooks Online / Jan 01, 2013

Sheldon, K. M., Boehm, J., & Lyubomirsky, S. (2013). Variety is the Spice of Happiness: The Hedonic Adaptation Prevention Model. Oxford Handbooks Online. https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordhb/9780199557257.013.0067

Culture Matters When Designing a Successful Happiness-Increasing Activity

Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology / May 09, 2013

Layous, K., Lee, H., Choi, I., & Lyubomirsky, S. (2013). Culture Matters When Designing a Successful Happiness-Increasing Activity. Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology, 44(8), 1294–1303. https://doi.org/10.1177/0022022113487591

Sex-Differences in the Evolution of Life Expectancy and Health in Older Age

Sex and Longevity: Sexuality, Gender, Reproduction, Parenthood / Jan 01, 2001

Deeg, D. J. H. (2001). Sex-Differences in the Evolution of Life Expectancy and Health in Older Age. Sex and Longevity: Sexuality, Gender, Reproduction, Parenthood, 129–140. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-59558-5_10

The Challenge of Staying Happier

Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin / Feb 23, 2012

Sheldon, K. M., & Lyubomirsky, S. (2012). The Challenge of Staying Happier. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 38(5), 670–680. https://doi.org/10.1177/0146167212436400

Changes in attractiveness of elected, rejected, and precluded alternatives: A comparison of happy and unhappy individuals.

Journal of Personality and Social Psychology / Jan 01, 1999

Lyubomirsky, S., & Ross, L. (1999). Changes in attractiveness of elected, rejected, and precluded alternatives: A comparison of happy and unhappy individuals. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 76(6), 988–1007. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.76.6.988

Pursuing happiness in everyday life: The characteristics and behaviors of online happiness seekers.

Emotion / Dec 01, 2012

Parks, A. C., Della Porta, M. D., Pierce, R. S., Zilca, R., & Lyubomirsky, S. (2012). Pursuing happiness in everyday life: The characteristics and behaviors of online happiness seekers. Emotion, 12(6), 1222–1234. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0028587

Persistent pursuit of need-satisfying goals leads to increased happiness: A 6-month experimental longitudinal study

Motivation and Emotion / Dec 08, 2009

Sheldon, K. M., Abad, N., Ferguson, Y., Gunz, A., Houser-Marko, L., Nichols, C. P., & Lyubomirsky, S. (2009). Persistent pursuit of need-satisfying goals leads to increased happiness: A 6-month experimental longitudinal study. Motivation and Emotion, 34(1), 39–48. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11031-009-9153-1

Delivering Happiness: Translating Positive Psychology Intervention Research for Treating Major and Minor Depressive Disorders

The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine / Aug 01, 2011

Layous, K., Chancellor, J., Lyubomirsky, S., Wang, L., & Doraiswamy, P. M. (2011). Delivering Happiness: Translating Positive Psychology Intervention Research for Treating Major and Minor Depressive Disorders. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 17(8), 675–683. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2011.0139

Is It Possible to Become Happier? (And If So, How?)

Social and Personality Psychology Compass / Aug 21, 2007

Sheldon, K. M., & Lyubomirsky, S. (2007). Is It Possible to Become Happier? (And If So, How?). Social and Personality Psychology Compass, 1(1), 129–145. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1751-9004.2007.00002.x

The Mythical Myths of Happiness

Journal of Happiness Studies / Sep 17, 2014

Bergsma, A. (2014). The Mythical Myths of Happiness. Journal of Happiness Studies, 16(6), 1635–1637. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10902-014-9574-8

Does Happiness Promote Career Success? Revisiting the Evidence

Journal of Career Assessment / Jan 15, 2018

Walsh, L. C., Boehm, J. K., & Lyubomirsky, S. (2018). Does Happiness Promote Career Success? Revisiting the Evidence. Journal of Career Assessment, 26(2), 199–219. https://doi.org/10.1177/1069072717751441

Positive activities as protective factors against mental health conditions.

Journal of Abnormal Psychology / Feb 01, 2014

Layous, K., Chancellor, J., & Lyubomirsky, S. (2014). Positive activities as protective factors against mental health conditions. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 123(1), 3–12. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0034709

The Promise of Sustainable Happiness

The Oxford Handbook of Positive Psychology / Jul 30, 2009

Boehm, J. K., & Lyubomirsky, S. (2009). The Promise of Sustainable Happiness. The Oxford Handbook of Positive Psychology, 666–678. https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordhb/9780195187243.013.0063

Thinking About Rumination: The Scholarly Contributions and Intellectual Legacy of Susan Nolen-Hoeksema

Annual Review of Clinical Psychology / Mar 28, 2015

Lyubomirsky, S., Layous, K., Chancellor, J., & Nelson, S. K. (2015). Thinking About Rumination: The Scholarly Contributions and Intellectual Legacy of Susan Nolen-Hoeksema. Annual Review of Clinical Psychology, 11(1), 1–22. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-clinpsy-032814-112733

Functions of Positive Emotions: Gratitude as a Motivator of Self-Improvement and Positive Change

Emotion Review / Jun 15, 2017

Armenta, C. N., Fritz, M. M., & Lyubomirsky, S. (2017). Functions of Positive Emotions: Gratitude as a Motivator of Self-Improvement and Positive Change. Emotion Review, 9(3), 183–190. https://doi.org/10.1177/1754073916669596

Feasibility and utility of positive psychology exercises for suicidal inpatients

General Hospital Psychiatry / Jan 01, 2014

Huffman, J. C., DuBois, C. M., Healy, B. C., Boehm, J. K., Kashdan, T. B., Celano, C. M., Denninger, J. W., & Lyubomirsky, S. (2014). Feasibility and utility of positive psychology exercises for suicidal inpatients. General Hospital Psychiatry, 36(1), 88–94. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.genhosppsych.2013.10.006

Humble Beginnings: Current Trends, State Perspectives, and Hallmarks of Humility

Social and Personality Psychology Compass / Nov 01, 2013

Chancellor, J., & Lyubomirsky, S. (2013). Humble Beginnings: Current Trends, State Perspectives, and Hallmarks of Humility. Social and Personality Psychology Compass, 7(11), 819–833. https://doi.org/10.1111/spc3.12069

An Upward Spiral Between Gratitude and Humility

Social Psychological and Personality Science / May 30, 2014

Kruse, E., Chancellor, J., Ruberton, P. M., & Lyubomirsky, S. (2014). An Upward Spiral Between Gratitude and Humility. Social Psychological and Personality Science, 5(7), 805–814. https://doi.org/10.1177/1948550614534700

Upregulating the positive affect system in anxiety and depression: Outcomes of a positive activity intervention

Depression and Anxiety / Jan 06, 2017

Taylor, C. T., Lyubomirsky, S., & Stein, M. B. (2017). Upregulating the positive affect system in anxiety and depression: Outcomes of a positive activity intervention. Depression and Anxiety, 34(3), 267–280. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1002/da.22593

Development of a Positive Psychology Intervention for Patients with Acute Cardiovascular Disease

Heart International / Jan 01, 2011

Huffman, J. C., Mastromauro, C. A., Boehm, J. K., Seabrook, R., Fricchione, G. L., Denninger, J. W., & Lyubomirsky, S. (2011). Development of a Positive Psychology Intervention for Patients with Acute Cardiovascular Disease. Heart International, 6(2), hi.2011.e13a. https://doi.org/10.4081/hi.2011.e13a

Testing for Measurement Invariance in the Satisfaction with Life Scale: A Comparison of Russians and North Americans

Social Indicators Research / Apr 24, 2006

Tucker, K. L., Ozer, D. J., Lyubomirsky, S., & Boehm, J. K. (2006). Testing for Measurement Invariance in the Satisfaction with Life Scale: A Comparison of Russians and North Americans. Social Indicators Research, 78(2), 341–360. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11205-005-1037-5

Validity and Reliability of the Japanese Version of the Emotional Intelligence Scale among College Students and Psychiatric Outpatients

Psychological Reports / Dec 01, 2001

Fukunishi, I., Wise, T. N., Sheridan, M., Shimai, S., Otake, K., Utsuki, N., & Uchiyama, K. (2001). Validity and Reliability of the Japanese Version of the Emotional Intelligence Scale among College Students and Psychiatric Outpatients. Psychological Reports, 89(3), 625–632. https://doi.org/10.2466/pr0.2001.89.3.625

‘It’s up to you’: Experimentally manipulated autonomy support for prosocial behavior improves well-being in two cultures over six weeks

The Journal of Positive Psychology / Dec 16, 2014

Nelson, S. K., Della Porta, M. D., Jacobs Bao, K., Lee, H. C., Choi, I., & Lyubomirsky, S. (2014). ‘It’s up to you’: Experimentally manipulated autonomy support for prosocial behavior improves well-being in two cultures over six weeks. The Journal of Positive Psychology, 10(5), 463–476. https://doi.org/10.1080/17439760.2014.983959

What triggers prosocial effort? A positive feedback loop between positive activities, kindness, and well-being

The Journal of Positive Psychology / Jun 23, 2016

Layous, K., Nelson, S. K., Kurtz, J. L., & Lyubomirsky, S. (2016). What triggers prosocial effort? A positive feedback loop between positive activities, kindness, and well-being. The Journal of Positive Psychology, 12(4), 385–398. https://doi.org/10.1080/17439760.2016.1198924

Happiness and thrift: When (spending) less is (hedonically) more

Journal of Consumer Psychology / Mar 15, 2011

Chancellor, J., & Lyubomirsky, S. (2011). Happiness and thrift: When (spending) less is (hedonically) more. Journal of Consumer Psychology, 21(2), 131–138. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcps.2011.02.004

Beyond Self-Protection

Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin / Apr 29, 2014

Nelson, S. K., Fuller, J. A. K., Choi, I., & Lyubomirsky, S. (2014). Beyond Self-Protection. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 40(8), 998–1011. https://doi.org/10.1177/0146167214533389

Everyday prosociality in the workplace: The reinforcing benefits of giving, getting, and glimpsing.

Emotion / Jun 01, 2018

Chancellor, J., Margolis, S., Jacobs Bao, K., & Lyubomirsky, S. (2018). Everyday prosociality in the workplace: The reinforcing benefits of giving, getting, and glimpsing. Emotion, 18(4), 507–517. https://doi.org/10.1037/emo0000321

Changes in social connection during COVID-19 social distancing: It’s not (household) size that matters, it’s who you’re with

PLOS ONE / Jan 20, 2021

Okabe-Miyamoto, K., Folk, D., Lyubomirsky, S., & Dunn, E. W. (2021). Changes in social connection during COVID-19 social distancing: It’s not (household) size that matters, it’s who you’re with. PLOS ONE, 16(1), e0245009. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0245009

The relationship between physician humility, physician–patient communication, and patient health

Patient Education and Counseling / Jul 01, 2016

Ruberton, P. M., Huynh, H. P., Miller, T. A., Kruse, E., Chancellor, J., & Lyubomirsky, S. (2016). The relationship between physician humility, physician–patient communication, and patient health. Patient Education and Counseling, 99(7), 1138–1145. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pec.2016.01.012

A New Measure of Life Satisfaction: The Riverside Life Satisfaction Scale

Journal of Personality Assessment / May 03, 2018

Margolis, S., Schwitzgebel, E., Ozer, D. J., & Lyubomirsky, S. (2018). A New Measure of Life Satisfaction: The Riverside Life Satisfaction Scale. Journal of Personality Assessment, 101(6), 621–630. https://doi.org/10.1080/00223891.2018.1464457

The Art of Living by Dispositionally Happy People

Journal of Happiness Studies / Jan 01, 2003

Abbe, A., Tkach, C., & Lyubomirsky, S. (2003). The Art of Living by Dispositionally Happy People. Journal of Happiness Studies, 4(4), 385–404. https://doi.org/10.1023/b:johs.0000005769.54611.3c

Und jetzt? Sie haben es in der Hand

Alles, was Sie über Media wissen wollen / Jan 01, 2018

Süßlin, M., Bache, H.-M., & Sen-Gupta, K. (2018). Und jetzt? Sie haben es in der Hand. Alles, Was Sie Über Media Wissen Wollen, 165–175. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-658-14375-6_9

Kindness in the blood: A randomized controlled trial of the gene regulatory impact of prosocial behavior

Psychoneuroendocrinology / Jul 01, 2017

Nelson-Coffey, S. K., Fritz, M. M., Lyubomirsky, S., & Cole, S. W. (2017). Kindness in the blood: A randomized controlled trial of the gene regulatory impact of prosocial behavior. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 81, 8–13. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psyneuen.2017.03.025

Responses to hedonically conflicting social comparisons: comparing happy and unhappy people

European Journal of Social Psychology / Jan 01, 2001

Lyubomirsky, S., Tucker, K. L., & Kasri, F. (2001). Responses to hedonically conflicting social comparisons: comparing happy and unhappy people. European Journal of Social Psychology, 31(5), 511–535. https://doi.org/10.1002/ejsp.82

Current recommendations on the selection of measures for well-being

Preventive Medicine / Apr 01, 2020

VanderWeele, T. J., Trudel-Fitzgerald, C., Allin, P., Farrelly, C., Fletcher, G., Frederick, D. E., Hall, J., Helliwell, J. F., Kim, E. S., Lauinger, W. A., Lee, M. T., Lyubomirsky, S., Margolis, S., McNeely, E., Messer, N., Tay, L., Viswanath, V., Węziak-Białowolska, D., & Kubzansky, L. D. (2020). Current recommendations on the selection of measures for well-being. Preventive Medicine, 133, 106004. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ypmed.2020.106004

Did Social Connection Decline During the First Wave of COVID-19?: The Role of Extraversion

Collabra: Psychology / Jan 01, 2020

Folk, D., Okabe-Miyamoto, K., Dunn, E., & Lyubomirsky, S. (2020). Did Social Connection Decline During the First Wave of COVID-19?: The Role of Extraversion. Collabra: Psychology, 6(1). https://doi.org/10.1525/collabra.365

The cognitive and hedonic costs of dwelling on achievement-related negative experiences: Implications for enduring happiness and unhappiness.

Emotion / Oct 01, 2011

Lyubomirsky, S., Boehm, J. K., Kasri, F., & Zehm, K. (2011). The cognitive and hedonic costs of dwelling on achievement-related negative experiences: Implications for enduring happiness and unhappiness. Emotion, 11(5), 1152–1167. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0025479

The proximal experience of gratitude

PLOS ONE / Jul 07, 2017

Layous, K., Sweeny, K., Armenta, C., Na, S., Choi, I., & Lyubomirsky, S. (2017). The proximal experience of gratitude. PLOS ONE, 12(7), e0179123. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0179123

Ruminative Response Styles and Delay of Seeking Diagnosis for Breast Cancer Symptoms

Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology / Mar 01, 2006

Lyubomirsky, S., Kasri, F., Chang, O., & Chung, I. (2006). Ruminative Response Styles and Delay of Seeking Diagnosis for Breast Cancer Symptoms. Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology, 25(3), 276–304. https://doi.org/10.1521/jscp.2006.25.3.276

Opening up in the classroom: Effects of expressive writing on graduate school entrance exam performance.

Emotion / Jan 01, 2011

Frattaroli, J., Thomas, M., & Lyubomirsky, S. (2011). Opening up in the classroom: Effects of expressive writing on graduate school entrance exam performance. Emotion, 11(3), 691–696. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0022946

State humility: Measurement, conceptual validation, and intrapersonal processes

Self and Identity / Jan 31, 2017

Kruse, E., Chancellor, J., & Lyubomirsky, S. (2017). State humility: Measurement, conceptual validation, and intrapersonal processes. Self and Identity, 16(4), 399–438. https://doi.org/10.1080/15298868.2016.1267662

Making it last: Combating hedonic adaptation in romantic relationships

The Journal of Positive Psychology / Mar 27, 2013

Jacobs Bao, K., & Lyubomirsky, S. (2013). Making it last: Combating hedonic adaptation in romantic relationships. The Journal of Positive Psychology, 8(3), 196–206. https://doi.org/10.1080/17439760.2013.777765

Parenthood Is Associated With Greater Well-Being for Fathers Than Mothers

Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin / Feb 28, 2019

Nelson-Coffey, S. K., Killingsworth, M., Layous, K., Cole, S. W., & Lyubomirsky, S. (2019). Parenthood Is Associated With Greater Well-Being for Fathers Than Mothers. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 45(9), 1378–1390. https://doi.org/10.1177/0146167219829174

Human Motives, Happiness, and the Puzzle of Parenthood

Perspectives on Psychological Science / May 01, 2010

Lyubomirsky, S., & Boehm, J. K. (2010). Human Motives, Happiness, and the Puzzle of Parenthood. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 5(3), 327–334. https://doi.org/10.1177/1745691610369473

How your bank balance buys happiness: The importance of “cash on hand” to life satisfaction.

Emotion / Aug 01, 2016

Ruberton, P. M., Gladstone, J., & Lyubomirsky, S. (2016). How your bank balance buys happiness: The importance of “cash on hand” to life satisfaction. Emotion, 16(5), 575–580. https://doi.org/10.1037/emo0000184

Recalling Positive Events at Work Makes Employees Feel Happier, Move More, but Interact Less: A 6-Week Randomized Controlled Intervention at a Japanese Workplace

Journal of Happiness Studies / Jun 12, 2014

Chancellor, J., Layous, K., & Lyubomirsky, S. (2014). Recalling Positive Events at Work Makes Employees Feel Happier, Move More, but Interact Less: A 6-Week Randomized Controlled Intervention at a Japanese Workplace. Journal of Happiness Studies, 16(4), 871–887. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10902-014-9538-z

More Happiness for Young People and Less for Mature Adults

Social Psychological and Personality Science / Nov 05, 2015

Twenge, J. M., Sherman, R. A., & Lyubomirsky, S. (2015). More Happiness for Young People and Less for Mature Adults. Social Psychological and Personality Science, 7(2), 131–141. https://doi.org/10.1177/1948550615602933

Experimental manipulation of extraverted and introverted behavior and its effects on well-being.

Journal of Experimental Psychology: General / Apr 01, 2020

Margolis, S., & Lyubomirsky, S. (2020). Experimental manipulation of extraverted and introverted behavior and its effects on well-being. Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, 149(4), 719–731. https://doi.org/10.1037/xge0000668

What Triggers Abnormal Eating in Bulimic and Nonbulimic Women?; The Role of Dissociative Experiences, Negative Affect, and Psychopathology

Psychology of Women Quarterly / Sep 01, 2001

Lyubomirsky, S., Casper, R. C., & Sousa, L. (2001). What Triggers Abnormal Eating in Bulimic and Nonbulimic Women?; The Role of Dissociative Experiences, Negative Affect, and Psychopathology. Psychology of Women Quarterly, 25(3), 223–232. https://doi.org/10.1111/1471-6402.00023

Psychology: Holding on to happiness

Nature / Mar 01, 2011

Lyubomirsky, S. (2011). Psychology: Holding on to happiness. Nature, 471(7338), 302–303. https://doi.org/10.1038/471302a

Benefits, Mechanisms, and New Directions for Teaching Gratitude to Children

School Psychology Review / Jun 01, 2014

Layous, K., & Lyubomirsky, S. (2014). Benefits, Mechanisms, and New Directions for Teaching Gratitude to Children. School Psychology Review, 43(2), 153–159. https://doi.org/10.1080/02796015.2014.12087441

Change your Actions, Not Your Circumstances: An Experimental Test of the Sustainable Happiness Model

Happiness, Economics and Politics

Sheldon, K. M., & Lyubomirsky, S. (n.d.). Change your Actions, Not Your Circumstances: An Experimental Test of the Sustainable Happiness Model. Happiness, Economics and Politics. https://doi.org/10.4337/9781849801973.00024

Making Happiness Last:Using the Hedonic Adaptation Prevention Model to Extend the Success of Positive Interventions

The Wiley Blackwell Handbook of Positive Psychological Interventions / Apr 11, 2014

Bao, K. J., & Lyubomirsky, S. (2014). Making Happiness Last:Using the Hedonic Adaptation Prevention Model to Extend the Success of Positive Interventions. The Wiley Blackwell Handbook of Positive Psychological Interventions, 371–384. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781118315927.ch21

Individual psychopathology relative to reports of unwanted sexual experiences as predictor of a bulimic eating pattern

International Journal of Eating Disorders / Apr 01, 1997

Casper, R. C., & Lyubomirsky, S. (1997). Individual psychopathology relative to reports of unwanted sexual experiences as predictor of a bulimic eating pattern. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 21(3), 229–236. https://doi.org/10.1002/(sici)1098-108x(199704)21:3<229::aid-eat3>3.0.co;2-m

COMMENTARIES on "Does the Positive Psychology Movement Have Legs?"

Psychological Inquiry / Apr 01, 2003

COMMENTARIES on “Does the Positive Psychology Movement Have Legs?” (2003). Psychological Inquiry, 14(2), 110–172. https://doi.org/10.1207/s15327965pli1402_03

Is Lasting Change Possible? Lessons from the Hedonic Adaptation Prevention Model

Stability of Happiness / Jan 01, 2014

Armenta, C., Bao, K. J., Lyubomirsky, S., & Sheldon, K. M. (2014). Is Lasting Change Possible? Lessons from the Hedonic Adaptation Prevention Model. Stability of Happiness, 57–74. https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-12-411478-4.00004-7

Examining the Social in the Prosocial: Episode-Level Features of Social Interactions and Kind Acts Predict Social Connection and Well-Being

Dec 14, 2022

Fritz, M. M., Margolis, S., Radosic, N., Revord, J., Kellerman, G. R., Nieminen, L. R. G., Reece, A. G., & Lyubomirsky, S. (2022). Examining the Social in the Prosocial: Episode-Level Features of Social Interactions and Kind Acts Predict Social Connection and Well-Being. https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/sa7gk

Are Some Ways of Expressing Gratitude More Beneficial Than Others? Results From a Randomized Controlled Experiment

Affective Science / Nov 07, 2022

Regan, A., Walsh, L. C., & Lyubomirsky, S. (2022). Are Some Ways of Expressing Gratitude More Beneficial Than Others? Results From a Randomized Controlled Experiment. Affective Science. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42761-022-00160-3

Experimental effects of social behavior on well-being

Trends in Cognitive Sciences / Nov 01, 2022

Regan, A., Radošić, N., & Lyubomirsky, S. (2022). Experimental effects of social behavior on well-being. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 26(11), 987–998. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tics.2022.08.006

What is the Optimal Way to Give Thanks? Comparing the Effects of Gratitude Expressed Privately, One-to-One via Text, or Publicly on Social Media

Affective Science / Oct 11, 2022

Walsh, L. C., Regan, A., Twenge, J. M., & Lyubomirsky, S. (2022). What is the Optimal Way to Give Thanks? Comparing the Effects of Gratitude Expressed Privately, One-to-One via Text, or Publicly on Social Media. Affective Science. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42761-022-00150-5

What is Unique About Kindness? Exploring the Proximal Experience of Prosocial Acts Relative to Other Positive Behaviors

Affective Science / Oct 07, 2022

Regan, A., Margolis, S., Ozer, D. J., Schwitzgebel, E., & Lyubomirsky, S. (2022). What is Unique About Kindness? Exploring the Proximal Experience of Prosocial Acts Relative to Other Positive Behaviors. Affective Science. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42761-022-00143-4

Immediate and Enduring Effects of Deep and Shallow Conversations on Feelings of Closeness in Healthy Adults

Sep 30, 2022

Molla, H., Smadi, S., Lyubomirsky, S., Li, T., & de Wit, H. (2022). Immediate and Enduring Effects of Deep and Shallow Conversations on Feelings of Closeness in Healthy Adults. https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/p62va

Toward a New Science of Psychedelic Social Psychology: The Effects of MDMA (Ecstasy) on Social Connection

Perspectives on Psychological Science / May 10, 2022

Lyubomirsky, S. (2022). Toward a New Science of Psychedelic Social Psychology: The Effects of MDMA (Ecstasy) on Social Connection. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 17(5), 1234–1257. https://doi.org/10.1177/17456916211055369

More than Merely Positive: The Immediate Affective and Motivational Consequences of Gratitude

Sustainability / Jul 15, 2022

Walsh, L. C., Armenta, C. N., Itzchakov, G., Fritz, M. M., & Lyubomirsky, S. (2022). More than Merely Positive: The Immediate Affective and Motivational Consequences of Gratitude. Sustainability, 14(14), 8679. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14148679

Kindness interventions for early-stage breast cancer survivors: An online, pilot randomized controlled trial

The Journal of Positive Psychology / Jul 05, 2022

Haydon, M. D., Walsh, L. C., Fritz, M. M., Rahal, D., Lyubomirsky, S., & Bower, J. E. (2022). Kindness interventions for early-stage breast cancer survivors: An online, pilot randomized controlled trial. The Journal of Positive Psychology, 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1080/17439760.2022.2093786

Mental Health During the First Year of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Review and Recommendations for Moving Forward

Perspectives on Psychological Science / Jan 19, 2022

Aknin, L. B., De Neve, J.-E., Dunn, E. W., Fancourt, D. E., Goldberg, E., Helliwell, J. F., Jones, S. P., Karam, E., Layard, R., Lyubomirsky, S., Rzepa, A., Saxena, S., Thornton, E. M., VanderWeele, T. J., Whillans, A. V., Zaki, J., Karadag, O., & Ben Amor, Y. (2022). Mental Health During the First Year of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Review and Recommendations for Moving Forward. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 17(4), 915–936. https://doi.org/10.1177/17456916211029964

The role of actors, targets, and witnesses: Examining gratitude exchanges in a social context

The Journal of Positive Psychology / Jan 05, 2022

Walsh, L. C., Regan, A., & Lyubomirsky, S. (2022). The role of actors, targets, and witnesses: Examining gratitude exchanges in a social context. The Journal of Positive Psychology, 17(2), 233–249. https://doi.org/10.1080/17439760.2021.1991449

Mental health economics: A prospective study on psychological flourishing and associations with healthcare costs and sickness benefit transfers in Denmark

Mental Health & Prevention / Dec 01, 2021

Santini, Z. I., Nielsen, L., Hinrichsen, C., Nelausen, M. K., Meilstrup, C., Koyanagi, A., McDaid, D., Lyubomirsky, S., VanderWeele, T. J., & Koushede, V. (2021). Mental health economics: A prospective study on psychological flourishing and associations with healthcare costs and sickness benefit transfers in Denmark. Mental Health &amp; Prevention, 24, 200222. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mhp.2021.200222

What Are the Most Important Predictors of Subjective Well-Being? Insights From Machine Learning and Linear Regression Approaches on the MIDUS Datasets

Nov 11, 2021

Margolis, S., Elder, J., Hughes, B., & Lyubomirsky, S. (2021). What Are the Most Important Predictors of Subjective Well-Being? Insights From Machine Learning and Linear Regression Approaches on the MIDUS Datasets. https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/ugfjs

Does Putting Away Your Smartphone Make You Happier? The Effects of Restricting Digital Media and Social Media on Well-Being

Nov 08, 2021

Walsh, L. C., Regan, A., Okabe-Miyamoto, K., & Lyubomirsky, S. (2021). Does Putting Away Your Smartphone Make You Happier? The Effects of Restricting Digital Media and Social Media on Well-Being. https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/c3phw

The Association Between Well-Being and Objectively Measured Versus Self-Reported Smartphone Time

Aug 06, 2021

Walsh, L. C., Okabe-Miyamoto, K., Regan, A., Twenge, J., & Lyubomirsky, S. (2021). The Association Between Well-Being and Objectively Measured Versus Self-Reported Smartphone Time. https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/zcwmv

Changes in neural reward processing following Amplification of Positivity treatment for depression and anxiety: Preliminary findings from a randomized waitlist controlled trial

Behaviour Research and Therapy / Jul 01, 2021

Kryza-Lacombe, M., Pearson, N., Lyubomirsky, S., Stein, M. B., Wiggins, J. L., & Taylor, C. T. (2021). Changes in neural reward processing following Amplification of Positivity treatment for depression and anxiety: Preliminary findings from a randomized waitlist controlled trial. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 142, 103860. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brat.2021.103860

Revisiting the Sustainable Happiness Model and Pie Chart: Can Happiness Be Successfully Pursued?

The Journal of Positive Psychology / Nov 07, 2019

Sheldon, K. M., & Lyubomirsky, S. (2019). Revisiting the Sustainable Happiness Model and Pie Chart: Can Happiness Be Successfully Pursued? The Journal of Positive Psychology, 16(2), 145–154. https://doi.org/10.1080/17439760.2019.1689421

Cultural Differences in the Hedonic Rewards of Recalling Kindness: Priming Cultural Identity with Language

Affective Science / Mar 01, 2021

Shin, L. J., Margolis, S. M., Walsh, L. C., Kwok, S. Y. C. L., Yue, X., Chan, C.-K., Siu, N. Y.-F., Sheldon, K. M., & Lyubomirsky, S. (2021). Cultural Differences in the Hedonic Rewards of Recalling Kindness: Priming Cultural Identity with Language. Affective Science, 2(1), 80–90. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42761-020-00029-3

Mental Health During the First Year of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Review and Recommendations for Moving Forward

Feb 19, 2021

Aknin, L. B., De Neve, J. E., Dunn, E. W., Fancourt, D., Goldberg, E., Helliwell, J., Jones, S., Karam, E., Layard, R., Lyubomirsky, S., Rzepa, A., Saxena, S., Thornton, E., VanderWeele, T., Whillans, A., zaki, jamil, Caman, O. K., & Amor, Y. B. (2021). Mental Health During the First Year of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Review and Recommendations for Moving Forward. https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/zw93g

Kindness and cellular aging: A pre-registered experiment testing the effects of prosocial behavior on telomere length and well-being

Brain, Behavior, & Immunity - Health / Feb 01, 2021

Fritz, M. M., Walsh, L. C., Cole, S. W., Epel, E., & Lyubomirsky, S. (2021). Kindness and cellular aging: A pre-registered experiment testing the effects of prosocial behavior on telomere length and well-being. Brain, Behavior, &amp; Immunity - Health, 11, 100187. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbih.2020.100187

Comparing the effects of performing and recalling acts of kindness

The Journal of Positive Psychology / Sep 06, 2019

Ko, K., Margolis, S., Revord, J., & Lyubomirsky, S. (2019). Comparing the effects of performing and recalling acts of kindness. The Journal of Positive Psychology, 16(1), 73–81. https://doi.org/10.1080/17439760.2019.1663252

Education

Stanford University

PhD, Social Psychology / 1994

Stanford, California, United States of America

Harvard University

A.B., Psychology / 1989

Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America

Experience

University of California, Riverside

Distinguished Professor

Links & Social Media

Join Sonja on NotedSource!
Join Now

At NotedSource, we believe that professors, post-docs, scientists and other researchers have deep, untapped knowledge and expertise that can be leveraged to drive innovation within companies. NotedSource is committed to bridging the gap between academia and industry by providing a platform for collaboration with industry and networking with other researchers.

For industry, NotedSource identifies the right academic experts in 24 hours to help organizations build and grow. With a platform of thousands of knowledgeable PhDs, scientists, and industry experts, NotedSource makes connecting and collaborating easy.

For academic researchers such as professors, post-docs, and Ph.D.s, NotedSource provides tools to discover and connect to your colleagues with messaging and news feeds, in addition to the opportunity to be paid for your collaboration with vetted partners.

Expert Institutions
NotedSource has experts from Stanford University
Expert institutions using NotedSource include Oxfort University
Experts from McGill have used NotedSource to share their expertise
University of Chicago experts have used NotedSource
MIT researchers have used NotedSource
Proudly trusted by
Microsoft uses NotedSource for academic partnerships
Johnson & Johnson academic research projects on NotedSource
ProQuest (Clarivate) uses NotedSource as their industry academia platform
Slamom consulting engages academics for research collaboration on NotedSource
Omnicom and OMG find academics on notedsource
Unilever research project have used NotedSource to engage academic experts