Episode 3: Wellbeing Part 1: “Why Not Call it Happiness?”

Michael and Aspen explore why they chose the term Wellbeing, and not Happiness, in their definition of Mental Health. 

Aspen is surprised to learn that Michael has made it her job to convince their listeners that they should abandon happiness as a goal of mental health (he was too afraid to try). 

Despite Michael’s treachery Aspen systematically breaks down the term happiness, showing once and for all why it can’t be used as goal of good mental health.  Just when she has Michael convinced of this, Michael sheepishly confesses he still wants to be happy. 

Aspen reassures her embarrassed father by showing how wanting to be happy and making happiness your goal in life are very different things. She presents research showing that while wanting to be happy in an essential part of being human, making happiness your specific goal actually backfires.