This Emotional Life is a co-production of Vulcan Productions and the NOVA/WGBH Science Unit. Unfolding across three two-hour episodes, the series explores the human desire and struggle for happiness and the ways we can ultimately attain it. The first episode, "Family, Friends & Lovers," probes the nature of the social relationships that are the key to human happiness. The second program, "Facing Our Fears," looks at the obstacles to happiness—negative emotions such as fear, anger, anxiety and depression—and what we can do to cope with them. The final program, "Rethinking Happiness," uncovers new scientific research that is transforming our understanding of this most elusive of emotions. The series is hosted by Daniel Gilbert, professor of psychology at Harvard University and author of the best-selling book, Stumbling on Happiness.

As This Emotional Life reveals, happiness is not only a universal desire, but, biologically, a universal need. And yet, it evades so many of us. More than half of the 300 million people in the United States experience some type of mental health issue in their lifetimes that stands between them and happiness. This Emotional Life explores why, and in doing so draws upon key insights from the latest in brain and behavioral science. With leading experts from around the world, Dr. Gilbert explores, for example, the impact of early nurturing on neural and social development, the growing evidence that cutting-edge treatments for anxiety and depression may literally transform the structure of the brain, and new research on qualities such as resiliency and adaptation that are proving critical to emotional well-being, to name just a few.

Audience engagement formed the foundation for a groundbreaking, multi-platform outreach campaign, which is extending the impact of This Emotional Life far beyond the broadcast. For at least two years after the premier, the project is providing practical tools, resources and support to help Americans from all walks of life. Leveraging partnerships with leading organizations ranging from the federal government's Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the National Guard, to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and the Mayo Clinic, This Emotional Life is built for ongoing, sustainable impact. The website, at www.pbs.org/thisemotionallife, explores issues in the series through expert-vetted articles, blogs and live webinar events. The site offers connections with peer support groups and professionals through a nationwide zip code resource locator. The project also includes innovative toolkits in the areas of early childhood attachment and the emotional health of military families—two areas covered in depth in the series. These kits are now in distribution in high birthrate hospitals and community centers and soon will be distributed in military installations around the country, providing parents and families with invaluable tools and resources.