Ep 62: Dr. Ethan McMahan on Researching Happiness

In this episode, Ethan shares about his research on happiness. On this episode, Katie is joined by Dr. Ethan McMahan, an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychological Sciences at Western Oregon University. His research interests focus on hedonic and eudaimonic approaches to well-being, folk conceptions of happiness, and the relationship between nature and human well-being. His recent work examines how exposure to immersive simulations of natural environments impacts concurrent emotional state and, more broadly, how regular contact with natural environments may be one route by which individuals achieve optimal feeling and functioning. He has published in the Journal of Positive Psychology, the Journal of Happiness Studies, Personality and Individual Differences, and Ecopsychology, among other publications. He completed his undergraduate training at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs and holds a Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology from the University of Wyoming. Segment 1: Measuring Happiness [00:00-18:21] In this first segment, Ethan describes the instruments researchers use to measure happiness. Segment 2: How Can Researchers Be Happier? [18:21-33:23] In segment two, Ethan shares strategies that researchers can use to be happier. Bonus Clip #1 [00:00-5:03]: How Ethan Got Started as a Happiness Researcher To share feedback about this podcast episode, ask questions that could be featured in a future episode, or to share research-related resources, contact the "Research in Action" podcast: Twitter: @RIA_podcast or #RIA_podcast Email: [email protected] Voicemail: 541-737-1111 If you listen to the podcast via iTunes, please consider leaving us a review.