Carol Graham is an economist at Princeton, one of the "few crazy people" (her words) who 20 years ago first started to consider the role that happiness and feelings play in government policy.
She's got a new book about her findings, empirical evidence that demonstrates that hope can improve people’s life outcomes and that despair can destroy them.
Most importantly she highlights the kinds of things that can help restore hope. She starts by holding up the critical role that communities play in the process. "It's not just an individual problem," she says, "Communities are increasingly getting involved and helping provide peer support for mental health treatment and interventions."
She emphasizes the critical importance of mentors, particularly for the young, because "they need to acquire socio-emotional cognitive skills that are not taught in public high schools. Without these skills they might be the next generation in despair."
Book: The Power of Hope: How the Science of Well-Being Can Save Us from Despair
Video: Director of Economic Studies Carol Graham on Her New Book, The Power of Hope
Related Article: A Surprisingly Radical Proposal: Make People Happier — Not Just Wealthier and Healthier
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