The document discusses research on factors that affect happiness and mental health, particularly among black and white populations in the US. It reviews literature showing that blacks experience higher stress but similar or lower rates of mental illness than whites, despite greater social disadvantages. The author's study found that protective health behaviors moderate the relationship between life stress and depression risk for blacks but not whites. Future research should identify how coping behaviors relate to disparities in physical and mental health over time. The author's analysis of survey data found that race, mental health, and income significantly impact general happiness levels, with people of color reporting lower happiness associated with their race and poor mental health.