Complete Bibliography & Further Reading
The science behind evidence-based happiness
UBHappy2 is built on decades of rigorous research in positive psychology, well-being science, and happiness studies. This page provides a comprehensive bibliography of the academic works, books, and research papers that inform the product's 12 evidence-based strategies and 58 modules. Each source is available through Amazon with direct purchase links.
The foundational research upon which UBHappy2's 12 strategies are built:
2007 • Penguin Books
The seminal work that forms the backbone of UBHappy2. Lyubomirsky, a professor of psychology at UC Riverside, presents 12 evidence-based strategies for increasing happiness based on decades of research. Her "40% solution" shows that while 50% of happiness is genetic and 10% circumstantial, 40% is within our intentional control.
Essential texts from the founders and leaders of positive psychology:
2011 • Atria Books
The founder of positive psychology introduces PERMA: Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment—the five pillars of well-being that extend beyond simple happiness.
1990 • Harper Perennial
The classic work on flow states—those moments of complete absorption where time seems to stop. Csikszentmihalyi's research shows how increasing flow experiences dramatically increases life satisfaction.
2009 • Harmony Books
Fredrickson's broaden-and-build theory explains how positive emotions expand our awareness and build lasting psychological resources. Essential reading for understanding why cultivating positivity matters.
2007 • McGraw-Hill
From the professor who taught Harvard's most popular course on positive psychology. Ben-Shahar combines academic rigor with practical wisdom on living a happier life.
Research-based books that translate science into daily practice:
2010 • Crown Business
Achor's research at Harvard shows that happiness fuels success, not the other way around. Practical strategies for rewiring your brain toward positivity.
2013 • Penguin Books
Lyubomirsky's follow-up work challenges common assumptions about what makes us happy and reveals surprising truths about life's turning points.
Peer-reviewed research underlying UBHappy2's evidence-based approach:
Lyubomirsky, S., Sheldon, K. M., & Schkade, D. (2005). Review of General Psychology, 9(2), 111-131.
The foundational paper introducing the "40% solution"—the research showing that 40% of our happiness is under our intentional control through specific activities.
Emmons, R. A., & McCullough, M. E. (2003). Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 84(2), 377-389.
Landmark study demonstrating that gratitude practices significantly increase well-being—the research behind Strategy 1 (Expressing Gratitude).
Fredrickson, B. L. (2001). American Psychologist, 56(3), 218-226.
Explains how positive emotions broaden our thought-action repertoires and build lasting psychological resources—foundational for understanding why cultivating positivity matters.
Diener, E., & Seligman, M. E. P. (2002). Psychological Science, 13(1), 81-84.
Research identifying the characteristics of the happiest people, finding that rich social relationships are the key distinguishing factor—supporting Strategy 5 (Nurturing Social Relationships).
Google Scholar is a free academic search engine that indexes peer-reviewed papers, theses, books, and conference proceedings from universities and research institutions worldwide.
Unlike regular Google, Scholar focuses exclusively on academic and scholarly sources—the original research that books like those above are based on.
Use Google Scholar when you want to:
Note: Some papers require institutional access or purchase, but many are freely available as PDFs.
Transform evidence-based happiness research into daily inspiration with UBHappy2's 58 modules and 5,800+ curated quotes.