Professor Paul Dolan, behavioural scientist and author of the bestselling books Happy Ever After: A Radical New Approach to Living Well and Happiness By Design: Finding Pleasure and Purpose in Everyday Life
Developing measures of subjective wellbeing and applying behavioural science in practice
Over the past two decades, Paul’s research in behavioural science has focussed on a variety of fields from the impacts of COVID-19, to the effects of modern technology on happiness, behavioural economics, social mobility, equity in health, the theory and practice of nudging, the role of reciprocity and social uncertainty in decisions for others, the built environment, the use of financial incentives and the assessment of quality in healthcare.
Paul’s research has been used widely by government institutions for development of public policy. He is the author of ‘Mindspace: Influencing behaviour through public policy’ published by The Institute for Government in March 2010.
Understanding the economic and social costs of COVID-19
Paul’s current research is focussed on developing measures of the economic and social costs of COVID-19. In addition to the health and mortality risks being developed by public health professionals and infectious disease modellers, it is critical for Paul and his fellow social scientists to contribute to the dialogue on COVID-19 so that we have a balanced understanding of the full costs of lockdown. Paul’s work on COVID-19 has been featured recently in The Spectator, The Telegraph, The Irish Times and most recently at The Hay Festival.
Implications for public policy
In order to implement effective exit and management strategies going forward, governments need to consult a broad range of expertise to assess the health, economic and social costs and the benefits of different actions. This may result in lockdowns being lifted sooner, as the costs for wellbeing are weighted against the health and mortality risks associated with the virus.
Latest news on COVID-19
In his latest book, Paul draws on a variety of studies covering issues such as wellbeing, inequality and discrimination to bust the common myths about our sources of happiness. He shows that there can be many unexpected paths to lasting fulfilment. Some of these might involve not going into higher education, choosing not to marry, rewarding acts rooted in self-interest and caring a little less about living for ever.
By freeing ourselves from the myth of the perfect life, we might each find a life worth living.
How can we make it easier to be happy?
In his first book, Paul reveals that wellbeing isn't about how we think - it's about what we do. By making deliberate choices that bring us both pleasure and meaning, we can redesign our lives for maximum happiness - without thinking too hard about it.