Interpersonal behaviour is a central part of human life. Social behaviour and relationships with others are one of the main sources of happiness, but their failure may result in great distress and can be a root cause of mental disorders. Over the past two decades detailed analysis of social interaction and relationships has been carried out with the aim of learning the most effective social techniques and how to teach these skills.

In this second edition of a major student text, Michael Argyle provides new chapters on research methods, social skills, and personality, along with a new concluding chapter. The remaining chapters have been extensively revised.

Should psychology try to explain religion or try to understand it? The author of this book ranges over the whole of psychology to look at the results of psychology's study of religion. His belief in both the empirical value of psychology and the spiritual value of religion are evident.

What is happiness? Why are some people happier than others?

This new edition of The Psychology of Happiness provides a comprehensive and up-to-date account of research into the nature of happiness. Major research developments have occurred since publication of the first edition in 1987 - here they are brought together for the first time, often with surprising conclusions.

Drawing on research from the disciplines of sociology, physiology and economics as well as psychology, Michael Argyle explores the nature of positive and negative emotions, and the...