The Economics of Happiness acknowledges that economic activity is not a goal in itself. Rather, its value derives from contributing to people’s happiness. Individual welfare is approximated through surveys on subjective well-being. Based on this approach, it can be analyzed to what extent economic conditions and institutional factors determine individual welfare.

Specific projects:

- (Mis-)predicted subjective well-being following life events

- Smoking bans, cigarette prices and life satisfaction

- Limited self-control, obesity, and the loss of happiness

- Emotions and political decision-making

- Work from home, self-control and subjective well-being

- Experiences during the impressionable years and attitudes towards redistribution

- Federalism and subjective well-being

- Elections and mental well-being