The most recent social science research tells us that happiness and success are related, but one does not appear to cause the other.

• A. True
• B. False, Happiness Causes Success
• C. Not Enough Data
• D. Both Influence Each Other

Answer: (B)

Direction of influence between happiness and success is what this item is asking about. When people feel happy, positive emotions broaden how they think and act, making them more creative, persistent, and willing to take on challenges. That broader mindset helps them find solutions, stay motivated, and push through obstacles toward their goals. Happiness also tends to improve relationships and social connections, which provide support, cooperation, and opportunities that can boost performance and advancement. Taken together, these effects show that happiness can actively help people achieve more, which is why the option describing happiness as a causal driver of success is the best fit. It’s worth noting that success can also influence happiness, and both can reinforce each other in a feedback loop, but the evidence supports happiness as a contributor to achieving success.