Photo courtesy of PBS.

What makes humans happy? And what obstacles keep us from being fulfilled?

The PBS series “This Emotional Life” (airing Jan. 4-6 at 9 p.m. Eastern Time) will examine these issues by talking to experts, celebrities such as news anchor Katie Couric and actor John Leguizamo, and everyday people dealing with cancer, family conflict, depression and other life stumbling blocks.

National Association of Social Workers member Dr. Frederic Reamer is also an expert blogger on the program’s Web site, which offers viewers additional information on program topics and resources to go to for help. Reamer is a professor at the School of Social Work, Rhode Island College, Providence, RI.

“The series addresses issues that human beings have been concerned about forever,” Reamer said. “These are ongoing enduring issues dealing with mental health, relations and coping with crises and quality-of-life issues.”

So far Reamer has posted about a dozen blogs on “This Emotional Life” Web site on his area of expertise — helping troubled teenagers.

However, he said the program is very relevant in this age of war and economic uncertainty. And the series is also a must-see for social workers, he said.

“These are issues that social workers of course are particularly interested in and we are in the business of helping people cope with these challenges,” he said. “This particular series intersects wonderfully with social work’s mission and social work’s unique expertise.”

To find out more about how social workers help people overcome life’s challenges visit NASW’s “Help Starts Here” Web site. The Web site features sections on children and families, health and wellness and other issues.

And social workers tell us what you think about the program!