Despite Negative Political and Economic Climate, Innovative Happiness Program Released

BROOKFIELD, Wis., Oct. 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- At the apex of one of the most negative political and economic environments in our nation's history, Hapacus has launched an educational program designed to help people improve their mental health and the pursuit of happiness. 

Capitalizing on the surge in positive mental health research, Hapacus has launched an integrated program allowing people to organize small groups to read, discuss, practice and ultimately teach what is often referred to as the science of happiness.  The Hapacus launch comes at a unique time when the economic and political environment is at a fever pitch, increasing the likelihood people would consider themselves "less happy." 

"Our brains are built to help us survive, not make us happy," says Hapacus CEO Bob Pothier.  "One of those survival mechanisms causes our brains to hold onto and emphasis negative information over positive information.  That's called our Negativity Bias and it is the root of why negative political campaigns and economic data are so effective."  Pothier emphasizes that we have to retrain our brains away from historic survival patterns and towards more productive, positive patterns.  "We have to recognize when our brains have unreasonably focused on negative information so we can manage back towards more healthy patterns.  Hapacus does that."

When people use the new program, they are more likely to be able to answer the question  "What is happiness?"

Pothier used key scientific research in the areas of mental health and well-being to put together his program.  In addition, he relies on the advice of leading researchers and authors on his Advisory Board, including Professors Sonja Lyubomirsky (UC-Riverside), Corey Keyes (Emory University), Ken Sheldon (University of Missouri-Columbia) and Todd Kashdan (George Mason University).

"Hapacus isn't just another happiness book. It is a technology to ensure that the ideas are properly digested and implemented within peoples' real lives," says Dr. Ken Sheldon, a leading researcher and author of Designing Positive Psychology. 

Making real change rather than just selling a book is the main differentiator in the Hapacus program.  Hapacus does use an innovative book or "student manual" as Hapacus refers to it called The Happiness Journey, which is uniquely developed with charts, graphs, visuals and metaphors and could eventually be one of the leading texts on the subject of well-being. 

As Dr. Todd Kashdan, author of Curious?  Discover the Missing Ingredient to a Fulfilling Life, says, the Hapacus manual "offers a window to changing the amount of well-being in this world."

Hapacus is looking for people who want to facilitate Hapacus courses and become Hapacus Teachers and has already begun teaching courses nationwide.

For information, go to www.Hapacus.com

About Hapacus

Hapacus is an educational program that helps ordinary people organize classes around the science of happiness.  Founded by Bob and Virginia Pothier, Hapacus uses scientific research in the fields of psychology, sociology, economics, neuroscience and other disciplines, to produce materials used by independent Hapacus teachers to facilitate four-week Hapacus courses either in person or on-line.  The initial student manual used in the courses is The Happiness Journey, a book only available as part of the Hapacus program.

Visit Hapacus (hapacus.com) to learn more, get backgrounds on the Advisory Board, learn how to become a Hapacus Teacher or find a Hapacus course in your area. 

Like or follow Hapacus on Facebook (facebook.com/Hapacus) or on Twitter (twitter.com/hapacusproject). 

Connect with the founders, Bob and Virginia Pothier, through their blog (hapacus.com/blog).   

SOURCE Hapacus