What happy people do: The behavioral correlates of happiness in everyday situations

Happier individuals have a greater tendency to experience positive affect in their day-to-day lives. The present study uses a multi-method approach to assess the observable behaviors correlated with happiness in two video-recorded, experimental social contexts resembling everyday situations: an interview about oneself and a conversation with strangers. The patterns of observed behaviors associated with happiness were highly similar between the two situations. Happier people smiled, acted playful and behaved cheerfully, while unhappy people expressed criticism, displayed guilt, or acted irritated. The behaviors of happier individuals not only reflect their greater positive affect in everyday situations but also highlights what might make them more enjoyable to be around.