What should you read to be happier?

Are there self-help books that psychologists and behavioral scientists consider to be able to help people live happier lives in a practical and sustainable way?

Experts say that choosing the right books is just as important as reading many books - Photo: The Guardian

Self-help books are often associated with the goal of finding happiness, but they are also controversial as they become increasingly popular and are often considered cliché and lacking scientific basis.

The Guardian (UK) recently invited international experts to recommend books that they believe contain serious content based on research and professional experience, rather than simply offering motivational messages.

Happiness begins with understanding relationships.

One of the books mentioned is Secure by psychiatrist Amir Levine. The book is based on attachment theory, categorizing common attachment types such as anxiety-related attachment and fear-avoidance attachment.

According to psychologist Philippa Perry, Secure provides tools to help readers better understand how they form and maintain relationships, not only in romantic relationships but also with family, friends, and colleagues.

The book is based on attachment theory, focusing on analyzing how people form and maintain relationships in modern life. - Photo: Amazon

On the same topic, "Can Love Last?" by psychoanalyst Stephen A. Mitchell is presented as a useful resource for couples.

The book analyzes unconscious conflicts in long-term relationships, particularly the tension between the need for security and the desire for freedom and exploration .

The book analyzes psychological conflicts in long-term romantic and marital relationships - Photo: Amazon

Let go of the need to please everyone.

In the category of books focusing on the individual, *The Courage to Be Disliked* is mentioned as a work that introduces the ideas of psychologist Alfred Adler.

Through dialogue, the book addresses the concept of "task separation," helping readers identify the boundaries of responsibility between themselves and others.

The courage to be disliked introduces Adlerian psychology, addressing the establishment of personal boundaries and responsibilities in social relationships - Photo: Amazon

According to psychiatrist Alex Curmi, reducing anxiety about being judged or disliked can help people live more consistently with their personal values, thereby reducing psychological stress in daily life.

Accept your limits to live a more peaceful life.

Another option on the list is Oliver Burkeman's * Four Thousand Weeks* , a book about the time constraints of human life. Instead of advocating for optimizing every activity, the author suggests that accepting the finiteness of time can help people adjust their expectations and reduce stress.

The book examines happiness through the lens of the finite nature of human life - Photo: Amazon

According to behavioral science professor Paul Dolan, the book's content aligns with research showing that happiness is linked to how people experience the present moment, rather than pursuing stressful long-term goals.

Understanding stress and trauma is key to avoiding self-inflicted suffering.

The Guardian 's list also includes books on mental health. "Dopamine Nation" analyzes the relationship between dopamine, pleasure, and stress in modern society.

Author Anna Lembke (professor of psychiatry at Stanford University) argues that avoiding unpleasant feelings through excessive consumption or stimulation can make people more susceptible to imbalance.

Dopamine Nation analyzes the link between dopamine, stress, and addictive behaviors in modern society - Photo: Amazon

Meanwhile, George Bonanno's *The End of Trauma* offers a different perspective on psychological trauma.

Based on numerous long-term studies, the book shows that not all people who experience a traumatic event develop post-traumatic stress disorder, and that recovery depends heavily on flexibility in how they cope with the situation.

The work synthesizes research on psychological trauma and human resilience - Photo: Amazon

Happiness is not an instant promise.

In addition to the topics above, The Guardian also covers books on parenting such as 1-2-3 Magic , books on neurodiversity such as Approaching Autistic Adulthood , and the ability to focus in a distracting environment through How to Focus .

The common thread among the recommended books is that they don't offer promises of instant happiness, but instead focus on helping readers better understand human psychology, relationships, and how to adapt to life's pressures. This is also the criterion experts use when selecting "truly effective" self-help books.

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MAI NGUYET

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/doc-gi-de-hanh-phuc-hon-20260120150402361.htm