Happiness and Mental Health among

The purpose of this research was to investigate happiness and mental health among Payameh Noor University students studying during the academic year of 2008-2009 and to determine the relationship between the two variables. 200 students were recruited (136 females and 64 males) via stratified random sampling. The Oxford Happiness Inventory and General Health Questionnaires were administered. This research was a cross-sectional retrospective descriptive study and the results of analysis of variance showed that there were no significant differences between male and female participants regarding happiness (p>0/01). However, by comparing the subscales, some significant differences between the two groups were found. Results showed that men scored higher than women in subscales of life satisfaction and self-esteem (p<0/01). On the other hand, women were reported to have higher means as far as positive mood and self satisfaction were concerned (p<0/001). There were no significant differences in the mental well-being of men and women (p<0/01). Analysis of mental health revealed that men were in a better condition than women (p<0/001). In addition, analysis of subscales (somatic symptoms, anxiety, social dysfunction, and depression) indicated better means for men. Also, a significant correlation was found between happiness and mental health (p<0/01).