The Science of Happiness (Slides, Videos, Student Note Sheet)

Students will describe differing conceptions of happiness, including Hedonism, Desire Theory, Objective List Theory, and Authentic Happiness.

Students will explain the concept of relative deprivation and give an example of it.

Students will identify research-backed strategies for increasing personal life satisfaction, such as gratitude practice and goal-setting.

Students will state and reflect on their own personal definition of happiness.

The note sheet's four-theory chart is designed to be filled in while viewing the slides, so distribute it before presenting rather than after.

The five 'Taking Action' strategies (gratitude, exercise/sleep/meditation, volunteering, focus on control, goal-setting) can each anchor a short class discussion or personal-application journal entry.

The closing reflection question on relative deprivation asks students to compare two hypothetical people (Person A and Person B), which works well as a partner-discussion prompt before individual writing.

Comparative theory analysis — students describe and react to four distinct psychological theories of happiness using a structured note-taking chart.

Applying research to personal life — students connect evidence-backed happiness strategies (gratitude, goal-setting) to their own life satisfaction.

Reflective written response — students answer open-ended questions defining happiness and evaluating relative-deprivation scenarios in their own words.