3: Uncontrollable Stress

According to positive psychology, or the science of subject well-being, environment plays an important role in people's quest for happiness. Feeling safe and comfortable generates contentment and satisfaction. Conversely, an excessively stressful environment promotes anxiety and insecurity. For instance, a study comparing controllable and uncontrollable stress found that the latter caused greater unhappiness and tension [source: Breier et al]. While stress compels us to work more efficiently and achieve greater goals, too much of it can adversely affect long-term happiness.