Ed Diener was one of the main presenters at the June, 2009, First World Congress on Positive Psychology in Philadelphia. Diener, co-author with Robert Biswas-Diener, of Happiness: Unlocking the Mysteries of Psychological Wealth, talked about Satisfaction with Life. Here are some of his points:

(Authentic) Happiness means subjective well-being and provides a stress protective factor.

Predictors of Well-Being are:

· Basic needs

· Income

· Convenience

· Life satisfaction

· Positive engagement

· Social support

· Learning & flow

· Public trust

Life circumstances make a difference

Situations and challenges do matter and make a difference to well-being. We must do what we can to create positive organizations and institutions.

Money makes a difference . . . depending

Money does make a difference to happiness. Just ask those who have moved from poverty to $40,000 or more annually. However those with a lot of money are typically only a little bit happier.

Want what you would like

Positive Psychologists say, “Happiness is liking what you have.” Learn to want/desire what you would like. Deiner gave the example of his daughter who wanted/desired a puppy and after she had it didn’t want it.