What is the evidence-based medicine (EBM) topic on happiness according to Dr. Arthur Brooks?

Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: February 18, 2025View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

From the Guidelines

To increase happiness, it is recommended to focus on four key areas: faith, family, community, and work, as suggested by Dr. Arthur Brooks 1.

Key Areas to Focus On

  • Faith: Engage in spiritual practices that bring a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
  • Family: Prioritize building strong relationships with family members.
  • Community: Engage in activities that promote social connections and a sense of belonging.
  • Work: Engage in work or hobbies that provide a sense of accomplishment and joy.

Applying these Areas in Daily Life

To apply these areas in daily life, consider the following:

  • Set aside time for activities that bring a sense of purpose and fulfillment, such as volunteering or spending time with loved ones.
  • Prioritize building strong relationships with family and friends.
  • Engage in work or hobbies that provide a sense of accomplishment and joy.
  • Practice gratitude by reflecting on the positive aspects of life each day, as suggested by studies on the benefits of gratitude 1.

Specific Actions to Take

In terms of specific actions, aim to:

  • Spend at least 30 minutes each day engaging in activities that bring happiness.
  • Schedule regular check-ins with friends and family to maintain strong social connections.
  • Set aside time each week for personal reflection and goal-setting.
  • Consider multicomponent interventions, such as those that combine mindfulness, meditation, and positive psychology interventions, which have been shown to be effective in improving happiness 1.

It's also important to note that happiness is a personal and subjective experience, and what works for one person may not work for another. Therefore, it's essential to experiment and find the activities and practices that bring the most joy and fulfillment, as suggested by studies on the importance of person-activity fit 1.

From the Research

Evidence-Based Medicine Topic on Happiness

There are no research papers to assist in answering this question about Dr. Arthur Brooks' views on the evidence-based medicine (EBM) topic on happiness. The provided studies do not mention Dr. Arthur Brooks or his work on happiness.

  • The studies provided focus on various topics such as:
    • Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy intervention on work engagement 2
    • The "work cure" and its pioneer, Dr. Herbert James Hall 3, 4
    • Practice-based research in social work 5
    • Communities of Practice and their learning processes 6
  • None of the studies directly relate to Dr. Arthur Brooks or his work on happiness.

References

Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Research

Dr. Hall and the work cure.

Occupational therapy in health care, 2005

Research

Thinking together: What makes Communities of Practice work?

Human relations; studies towards the integration of the social sciences, 2017

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.