000 03692nam a22004935i 4500
001 978-94-007-4393-9
003 DE-He213
005 20140220083346.0
007 cr nn 008mamaa
008 120330s2012 ne | s |||| 0|eng d
020 _a9789400743939
_9978-94-007-4393-9
024 7 _a10.1007/978-94-007-4393-9
_2doi
050 4 _aHN25
072 7 _aJFF
_2bicssc
072 7 _aSOC026000
_2bisacsh
072 7 _aSOC027000
_2bisacsh
082 0 4 _a306
_223
100 1 _aGrinde, Bjørn.
_eauthor.
245 1 4 _aThe Biology of Happiness
_h[electronic resource] /
_cby Bjørn Grinde.
264 1 _aDordrecht :
_bSpringer Netherlands,
_c2012.
300 _aX, 109p. 29 illus.
_bonline resource.
336 _atext
_btxt
_2rdacontent
337 _acomputer
_bc
_2rdamedia
338 _aonline resource
_bcr
_2rdacarrier
347 _atext file
_bPDF
_2rda
490 1 _aSpringerBriefs in Well-Being and Quality of Life Research,
_x2211-7644
505 0 _aPreface -- Chapter 1. Introduction: From Philosophy to science -- Chapter 2. Evolution of Nervous Systems -- Chapter 3. The Human Brain -- Chapter 4. Mental Health -- Chapter 5. How to improve Happiness -- Chapter 6. The Politics of Happiness -- Chapter 7. Concluding Remarks -- References.-.
520 _aThe book presents a model for happiness based on current knowledge in evolutionary biology and neurobiology. Briefly, the primary purpose of nervous systems is to direct an animal toward behaviour relevant for survival and procreation. In primitive animals actions are based on reflexes, while in humans the modules directing behaviour engage positive and negative affect (good and bad feelings), and they are swayed by cognitive processes. The reason why evolution opted for this strategy was the improved flexibility in response – i.e., we learn from previous experiences. The human capacity for happiness is an accidental consequence. An array of brain modules has evolved to care for various pursuits, but recent studies suggest that they converge on shared neural circuits designed to generate positive and negative mood. Happiness can be construed as the net output of the relevant modules. The book suggests a strategy for how to avoid having negative feelings (such as anxiety, depression and chronic pain) dominate the mind, and how to exercise positive feelings. In short, the book offers both a deeper understanding of what happiness is about, and a framework for improving well-being.   An array of brain modules has evolved to care for various pursuits, but recent studies suggest that they converge on shared neural circuits designed to generate positive and negative mood. Happiness can be construed as the net output of the relevant modules. The book suggests a strategy for how to avoid having negative feelings (such as anxiety, depression and chronic pain) dominate the mind, and how to exercise positive feelings. In short, the book offers both a deeper understanding of what happiness is about, and a framework for improving well-being.  
650 0 _aSocial sciences.
650 0 _aQuality of Life.
650 0 _aQuality of Life
_xResearch.
650 0 _aPsychology, clinical.
650 1 4 _aSocial Sciences.
650 2 4 _aQuality of Life Research.
650 2 4 _aQuality of Life Research.
650 2 4 _aNeuropsychology.
710 2 _aSpringerLink (Online service)
773 0 _tSpringer eBooks
776 0 8 _iPrinted edition:
_z9789400743922
830 0 _aSpringerBriefs in Well-Being and Quality of Life Research,
_x2211-7644
856 4 0 _uhttp://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-4393-9
912 _aZDB-2-SHU
999 _c104762
_d104762