Research shows that despite huge increases in wealth, advances in health care and access to technology, Western societies today are actually no happier than they were 50 years ago. This doesn't mean everyone is miserable but levels of life satisfaction have not improved. The reality is that levels of emotional distress are rising.
Family breakdown, increased violence, crime and drug use are cited as reasons. Perhaps the most insidious though is "afluenza" and social comparison - too many people, particularly the young, believe that happiness can be found through looks, clothes and mobile phones, without realising that all too quickly they become envious that others have better or newer versions.
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