Is the pursuit of happiness actually making students less happy? In this episode of The What and Who of EDU, we sit down with Dr. David Myers and Dr. June Gruber, co-authors of the world's best-selling psychology textbook, to explore what decades of psychological research reveal about student mental health, emotional well-being and why today's students are struggling more than ever.

Discover why emotional diversity matters more than constant positivity, how social media is reshaping student mental health, and the surprising science behind what actually makes us thrive. From "awe walks" that reduce anxiety to the counterintuitive relationship between money and happiness, this conversation offers evidence-based insights every educator needs to support student well-being in the classroom. Brought to you by Macmillan Learning

What You'll Learn in This Episode

Student Mental Health & Well-Being

• Why today's students face unprecedented mental health challenges (and what's driving the increase in depression and anxiety)
• The connection between smartphone use, social media, and declining student mental health
• How emotional diversity—not toxic positivity—builds psychological resilience Why the "I-happy" problem is making students lonelier and less fulfilled

The Science of Happiness

• The happiness paradox: Why focusing on happiness makes you less happy
• How much money actually contributes to well-being (and when more stops mattering)
• The neuroscience of awe and why 10-minute "awe walks" reduce stress and depression
• What the research says about aging and happiness (spoiler: we get happier as we age)

Teaching & Learning Strategies

• How to create classroom moments that foster wonder and psychological well-being
• Why broad liberal education matters more than career specialization
• The importance of teaching critical thinking and evidence-based reasoning
• How to balance scientific evidence with compelling storytelling in teaching

Human Nature & Psychology

• The surprising truth about parenting: why genes matter more than we think
• Research showing humans are inherently kind and altruistic (not selfish)
• The bystander effect myth: new data shows 90% of people help others in need
• Why students can't predict their futures (and why that's actually good news)

Featured Guests

Dr. David Myers – Professor of Psychology at Hope College and author of the world's best-selling psychology textbook, read by millions of students globally. His research spans behavior genetics, social psychology, and the public understanding of science. Despite being completely deaf without hearing technology, Dave has championed inclusive learning and continues to shape how students understand the brain, behavior, and human nature.

Dr. June Gruber – Associate Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at the University of Colorado Boulder and Director of the Positive Emotion & Psychopathology Lab. June's research explores emotion science, mental health, and what it truly means to thrive. As co-author of the best-selling psychology textbook, she brings cutting-edge research on student well-being, emotional diversity, and positive psychology to millions of learner. Learn more about Dave & June.

Resources

• Psychology, 14th edition
• Student Store: Psychology, 14th edition
• More about Dave & June
• David Myers - Make Things Memorable
• More about Awe Walks from the NIH