Could your happiness be measured like your blood pressure or weight? According to Dr. Alphonsus Obayuwana, the answer is yes—and doing so may be one of the most important health checks of all. A renowned happiness expert and Psychology Today contributor, Dr. Obayuwana introduces a new frontier in emotional wellness with The Happiness Formula, a science-based guide that combines decades of research with real-life applications for achieving lasting fulfillment.
After 30 years of studying what truly makes people flourish, Dr. Obayuwana developed a first-of-its-kind tool to measure individual happiness: the Personal Happiness Index (PHI). Using this numerical system, anyone—regardless of age, gender, or background—can determine their current happiness score and learn how to improve it using evidence-based strategies.
“Just like knowing your blood pressure helps you manage your health, knowing your PHI can guide you to a more fulfilling life,” says Dr. Obayuwana in a press release. “It offers people a clear, practical path to self-awareness and sustainable joy.”
The Happiness Formula explores the deeper relationship between hope, happiness, and personal satisfaction. Rather than relying on empty motivational quotes or one-size-fits-all checklists, the book dives into the psychology of happiness, exposing popular myths and offering a solid scientific foundation for personal development. It also teaches readers how to identify the “happiest living humans” and what habits and mindsets they share.
Dr. Obayuwana’s work has already made a significant impact. His earlier tool, the Hope Index Scale, was adopted by organizations like Coca-Cola, General Motors, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to assess emotional resilience and prevent suicide. The Happiness Formula builds on that foundation, making it invaluable not just to individuals, but also to life coaches, HR professionals, educators, and public policymakers invested in community well-being.