What is the relationship between money and happiness? Does having more money make you happier as a person? Are there any psychology or sociology studies or books that support this claim?

The relationship between money and happiness is a complex and debated topic. While having enough money to meet basic needs and achieve a certain level of financial security can contribute to happiness, the relationship between money and overall life satisfaction becomes more nuanced as income increases beyond that point.

Numerous studies have explored this relationship, and some suggest that while money can influence happiness, its impact diminishes beyond a certain threshold. This concept is often referred to as the "Easterlin Paradox" after economist Richard Easterlin, who found that once basic needs are met, higher income does not necessarily lead to greater happiness.

One notable study is the "World Happiness Report," which is published annually by the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network. The report looks at factors such as income, social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom, generosity, and corruption to assess overall happiness levels in different countries.

Additionally, the field of positive psychology has also explored the relationship between money and happiness. These studies highlight the importance of factors such as relationships, purpose, personal growth, and overall life satisfaction as key contributors to happiness, rather than solely focusing on income.

Some books that explore the relationship between money and happiness include:

1. "Happy Money: The Science of Happier Spending" by Elizabeth Dunn and Michael Norton

2. "The How of Happiness: A Scientific Approach to Getting the Life You Want" by Sonja Lyubomirsky

3. "Stumbling on Happiness" by Daniel Gilbert

4. "The Happiness Hypothesis: Finding Modern Truth in Ancient Wisdom" by Jonathan Haidt

These books offer insights and research findings about the broader concept of happiness and the role money plays in it.

Overall, while money can contribute to happiness up to a certain point, other factors such as relationships, personal growth, and a sense of purpose also play significant roles in determining overall life satisfaction.