The power of positive emotions

“Clap along if you feel like happiness is the truth.” That’s a memorable line from the 2013 tune “Happy,” by Pharrell Williams – a song that reached No. 1 in the charts in over 20 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada and was the most played song of the 2010s. One truth about happiness: It’s among the many positive emotions that people can use to counter stress, which affects thoughts, feelings, behaviors and physical health. Unchecked stress can lead to myriad health problems like hypertension, heart disease, stroke, obesity and diabetes. Sarah Pressman, UC Irvine professor of psychological science, has made examining the health benefits of positive emotions her life’s work. In this episode of The UC Irvine Podcast, Pressman explains how researchers analyze the protective properties of positivity, relates their findings and suggests simple steps people can take to improve their own happiness. “High Life,” the music for this episode, was provided by The Mini Vandals, featuring Mamadou Koita and Lasso, via the audio library in YouTube Studio.