HAPPINESS FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF NEUROSCIENCE AND POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY: CONTRIBUTIONS TO UNDERSTANDING HUMAN WELL-BEING

Abstract

: This study aimed to evaluate the contributions of Neuroscience and Positive Psychology to the understanding of happiness by discussing its biological, psychological, and behavioral foundations, as well as their implications for human development. It is based on a bibliographic study with a qualitative, exploratory, and descriptive approach, grounded in the critical analysis of both classical and contemporary literature. The findings indicate that happiness cannot be reduced to the mere presence of positive emotions or the absence of negative emotions. Rather, it is understood as a dynamic process resulting from the interaction among brain systems, emotional processes, subjective experiences, social relationships, and the construction of meaning. A significant convergence between Neuroscience and Positive Psychology was identified, as both perspectives recognize that well-being depends not only on the proper functioning of biological mechanisms but also on the development of psychological competencies related to purpose in life, engagement, and self-actualization. The study also found that limiting beliefs, self-sabotaging patterns, and low self-esteem directly influence the way the brain interprets reality, thereby affecting decision-making processes, emotional regulation, and the perception of personal well-being. It is concluded that the integration of knowledge from Neuroscience and Positive Psychology significantly enhances the understanding of happiness, providing scientific foundations for interventions aimed at promoting mental health, human development, and quality of life.