Abstract: The relationship between happiness and social support was examined in a survey of 304 men and women using questionnaires. Several gender effects were obtained. (1) Men had significantly more social support and showed more positive affect than women. (2) Women's utilization of social support was higher than that of men. (3) There were no gender differences in happiness, negative affect, or interpersonal support. (4) Regression analyses showed that both interpersonal support (including that from spouses, parents, friends, neighbors, and colleagues) and support utilization were significant predictors of happiness and positive and negative affect.

Key words: happiness, positive affect, negative affect, social support, interpersonal support, the utilization of support