Canadian Positive Psychology ConferenceJuly 20-21st, 2012

Dr. Kate Hefferon, PhD, C PsycholUniversity of East London

k.hefferon@uel.ac.uk

A ‘neck up focused discipline’ (Seligman, 2007)

Positive Psychology predominantly focuses on passive leisure activities to enhance well-being (e.g. gratitude, best possible self)

Focuses on changing perceptions of the self via cognitive reframing and not holistically engaging the person

There is a noticeable neglect of the important role of the body in a healthy and happy mind (Warmouth, Resnick & Serlin, 2001)

Active leisure activities can have significant positive effects on one’s well-being and satisfaction with life (Holder, Coleman, & Sehn, 2009)

We need to engage our bodies in order to ensure optimal functioning

How we treat itHow we move itHow we sooth itHow we feed itHow we dress itHow we decorate itHow we connect to it

-All have an impact on our Hedonic and Eudaimonic well being-

EmbodimentTrauma and illness transformationSomato-psychic principleAdornment and body modification

Note- This lecture contains sensitive content and medical photos

What does it feel like to be in your body?

Embodiment “how people experience having and using their body: Our body effects our emotions, feelings and experiences”

Lack of embodiment is a criticism of not just positive psychology but all of psychology

(Hefferon & Mutrie, 2012;Resnick, Warmoth, & Serlin, 2001)

Greek- Aristotle, Plato (mind, body and soul)

Cartesian Dualism (René Descartes, 17th century)

Immaterial mind (consciousness, self awareness) and material body (brain-intelligence)

Maurice Merleau-Ponty

Embodiment as how people experience having and using their body

Not physical but phenomenological

Body effects our emotions, feelings and experiences

1) The subjective body: our body as-it-is-lived. This body engages with the world but we are not conscious of our bodies, we take them for granted – this is the habitual body or the ‘taken-for-granted’ body

1) The objective body: the body that is known by the Other and can be observed and objectified. Objectification has negative implications on young females

(Gil-Rodriguez, 2012; Impett et al)

Somatic psychology: reunite body and mind through therapy

Experiential and gestalt

Embodied interactions

Humanistic psychology“examines somatic influences and the fundamental role played by states of the body in the ability to attain and especially to sustain a positive frame of mind:” (Warmoth et al., 2001, p.5)

Since then= Indifference (Frank, 1998)(Wilhelm Reich)

Nothing you do, say or feel is not connected to the body

Touch is an important component for healthy development

Significantly reduces psychological and physiological distress

Reduces cortisol levels and blood pressure

Increase in Serotonin and Dopamine neurotransmitters

Induces higher levels of oxytocin

(Harlow & Zimmermann, 1959; Grewen, Anderson, Girdler, & Light, 2003; Light, Grewen, & Amico, 2005; Grewen, Girdler, Amico, & Light 2005; M. Matsunaga et al., 2009) Gallace & Spence, 2010; Diego, Field, & Hernandez-Reif, 2008; Dieter, Field, Hernandez-Reif, Emory, & Redzepi, 2003; Diego et al., 2002; Field et al., 1998; Field et al., 1997; Field, Quintino, Hernandez-Reif, & Koslovsky, 1998; Hernandez-Reif, Dieter, Field, Swerdlow, & Diego, 1998; Hernandez-Reif et al., 2000; Moyer, Rounds, & Hannum, 2004; Field, Hernandez-Reif, Diego,Schanberg & Kuhn, 2005; Diego et al., 2001; Hernandez-Reif et al., 2005; Hernandez-Reif et al., 2004; Field, Hernandez-Reif,Diego, Schanberg, & Kuhn, 2005)

Engagement in sexual relationships with trusted partners can: Increase in physical and psychological (hedonic and eudaimonic) wellbeing Better physical shape Enhanced immune system functioning Reduced cancer risk in males (Prostate) Longevity Exposure to moments of intense joy, relaxation and ecstasy Increased self esteem and confidence Feelings of love and connection to another Reduced anxiety and depression Enhanced overall quality of life Self development and growth

(Bancroft et al., 2003; Brody, 2006, 2010; Brody, Veit, & Rau, 2000; Davey Smith, Frankel, & Yarnell, 1997; Janssen & Everaerd, 1993; Meston & Buss, 2007; 2009; Meston & Buss, 2009; Bancroft et al., 2003; Brody, 2006, 2010; Brody, Veit, & Rau, 2000; Davey Smith, Frankel, & Yarnell, 1997; Janssen & Everaerd, 1993)

Indifference towards the body (Frank, 1998)

Increasingly negative relationship with the body (Orbach, 2012)

Increase in aesthetic procedures (BAAPS, 2011)

Increase in negative body image (YMCA report, 2012; Impett et al.)

Increase in eating disorders across genders (Orbach, 2012)

Increase in self harming (Favazza, 2011)

Dysappearing (Frank, 1995; Stam, 1998)

Myselftogetheragain.org

Physical trauma (Injury, illness, burns, etc.)

Disrupt our consciousness and calls attention to the body

Systematic decline of bodily functioning (e.g. increased fatigue, weight gain, hair loss, steady attack on the body by the body)

Positive Existential Embodiment

“The physical body after trauma can provide two equally important states of mind: to remind us of our death and to remind of us of our life.”

(Goldenberg, Spee, & Greenberg, 2006, p. 129)

Illness and trauma can help us reconnect to our bodies (Frank, 1995;Hefferon et al., 2009)

Can create enhanced appreciation for the body Increased care towards the body (listen to body; treat it better) Increase in health behaviour changes (Teachable moment) (Demark

Wahnefried; Hefferon et al., 2010)

Claire“When you go out the house in the morning now, you appreciate, ‘I feel, ya, feel well!’ And it’s a lovely feeling. [uh huh]. You know? Em, so, you know, that’s a positive feeling as well […] It’s just, you don’t, you do not realize how nice it is to feel…feel well”.

Brenda“Because if you don’t have your health, you hav’nae got anything […] But em…it’s just that my health, I would never take (pauses), you know, never take it for granted…ever again.”

http://www.uncovered-exhibition.co.uk

Agata Cardoso

Daniel Regan

“The ability to build psychological and emotional strength via the building of physical strength” (Hefferon & Mutrie, 2012)

Mens sana in corpore sano

There is a noticeable lack of focus on the body and its impact on well-being within the positive psychology literature (Mutrie & Faulkner, 2004; Hefferon & Mutrie, 2012)

Positive Binary effects= physical and psychological

Normal and clinical populations (Hefferon et al., 2012)

.

Physical activity Movement Energy expenditure Break a sweat

Exercise Planned Structured Direct focus is fitness

progression

AT LEAST

•30 minutes/5 days a week •Moderate intensity•Can be broken up (10 min x 3)

http://www.acsm.org/

Reduces the risk of developing:

Obesity Cardiovascular disease Coronary heart disease Stroke Diabetes (type 2) Osteoporosis Sleep disorders High blood pressure Certain cancers (colon, breast; rectal,

lung, prostate, endometrial) Premature death

(Salonen et al, 1983; Paffenbarger et al. 1986; Biddle & Mutrie, 2001;2008;Mutrie & Faulkner, 2004; Department of Health, 2004)

Improved acute and chronic positive affect

Increased well being (Hellmich, 2009; Mayo clinic)

Enhanced body image, self-esteem and self-perceptions (Fox, 2000; Moses, Steptoe, Mathews, & Edwards, 1989)

Improved general cognitive functioning (Ratey, 2008; Boutcher, 2000; Rejeski & Mihalko, 2001; Rejeski et al., 2001)

Reduced emotional distress (Steptoe, Wardle, Pollard, Canaan, & Davies, 1996)

Reduced anxiety (McDonald & Hodgdon, 1991)

Reduced depression (Babyak et al., 2000; Hassmen, Koivula, & Uutela, 2000; Kritz-Silverstein, Barrett-Connor, & Corbeau, 2001)

STUDY 1 Alameda county study (Camacho et al, 1991) N=8,023 non-institutionalized adults >20 1965, 1974, 1983 Those that were low active at baseline were significantly more likely to be

depressed then high active

STUDY 2 Bluementhal et al. (1999) Three groups (exercise, medicine, exercise*medicine)Results (16 weeks):

All three groups improved (>60%) No significant differences among groups (except medication results were faster)

STUDY 3 Babyak et al. (2000) 10 months follow-up

Relapse medication: 38% Relapse medication*exercise: 31% Relapse exercise: 9%

PA and Depression

Adjunct to therapyNot reduction of psychotic symptomatology BUT….o Enhancement of affect and self esteem o Confidence to leave ‘inner world’ (re-integrate)o Increased social inclusiono Purpose and meaning

(Carless & Douglas; Biddle & Mutrie, 2008; Hefferon et al., 2012)

Study 1 consisted of one pre-intervention focus group (n=8) and one post intervention focus group (n=4)

Pre intervention results yielded three main themes and several subthemes

Post-intervention results, focused on the actual experience of the programme, yielded three main themes and several subthemes

Main Theme Subtheme

Gone off track Loss of physical selfLoss of confident selfEndeavour

Social re-integration Free to ‘Be’

Class constituents WayneEvoke power

Main Theme Subtheme

Praise of class A focused challengeHealthy escapeCamaraderie

Wayne Superstar statusProxy EfficacyWayne's gym

Path to Metamorphosis Lost and foundSomato-psychic principle in practiceHeightened awareness of health

‘I think as well there’s some emotions due to numerous reasons that also feel I need to get out, and I think boxing is one of those sports that can help do that.’ (Andrea)

‘Yeah, I am [looking forward to] hitting that bag. Just getting all my frustrations out you know.’ (Becca)

‘[It] takes your mind off things. Em, especially as you’re kind of learning a new skill. It’s kind of- like the speedball for instance-You zone in on looking at that little ball and you just totally forget everything. Or like focus pads. Yeah. Because it’s so- don’t know, everything to think about. [So you] Just totally zone out.’ (Andrea)

‘Yeah I feel that way as well. I feel as though em, don’t know, just achieved, a big life changing, kind of [Life changing?] Yeah. Yeah. Yeah…no it’s just that I’ve come to a fork in the road and this has taken me in the right direction. Instead of, keep em, in the wrong direction. Like trying to drag everything back from wrong- wrong direction and putting it on the right road.’ (Becca)

‘It’s very interesting […] I’m not really an emotional person. Well not in public anyway. Em…like I mentioned before, it has given me a lot more confidence to approach different situations-situations, in a more controlling, em, collected way.’ (Peter).

Psychological Well-being

Self acceptance

Autonomy

Environmental mastery

Positiverelationships

Purpose in life

Personal growth

Ancient practices of adornment exist today (e.g. Fashion, make-up, hair, jewelry)

Beauty, status, celebration of events, rituals, to mark individuals as part of a certain in-group

Transient to more permanent forms of adornment (e.g. necklace to neck rings)

Body Modification (BM)

Body modification is the deliberate altering of the human body

At some point in time, all cultures have engaged in practices of body art (Cuyper & Perez-Cotapos, 2010)

Tattooing, Piercing, Scarification, Implantation, Branding and many more

Traditionally been regarded as practices of marginalized populations and associated with psychopathology (Fisher, 2002; Cardasis et al., 2008; Jeffreys, 2000)

Contemporary research now looks at positive experiences and psychological well-being from certain BM practices (e.g. enhanced confidence, authenticity, completeness)

Motivations include:

1. Identification (as part of a group or as unique)2. Rites of passage3. Authenticity4. Transcending physical body to higher level of consciousness5. Positively engaging with mortality6. Meaning and purpose7. Achievement

1000’s of years with evidence existing to have been in use up to 12000 years ago (Angulo, García-Díez & Martínez, 2011)

Symbolic nature of tattoos (positive to negative): “fertility, aesthetic decoration, Valor in war, rank and status in the group, age, ingroup-outgroup, Marital status, to ward offs spirits or the marking of slaves, deserters, criminals” (Laumann, 2010, p. 2)

18th century popularity amongst sailors, military and working class

Miami, L.A., London ink TV Reality shows= tattoos have become more acceptable (Laumann, 2010)

Skin and tattooing can be seen from three metaphorical perspectives: Skin as container Projection surfaces Cover to be modified

Skin has a ‘double sidedness’ in which tattoo culture can dissect its intercorporeality and embodiment (Patterson & Schroeder)

(Smithsonian, 2007)

Artistic permanence to the self derives a sense of pleasure in creating something meaningful

This then becomes part of their body = a corporeal artifact

Individuals derive authenticity by having the final say in how they look and how they portray themselves to the world

BM can not only enhance individual identity, but also connect and solidify certain social groups

Two meaning making processes:a) the design (rebellion, independence, conformity) andb) the act of undergoing BM (tolerance of pain, rite of passage, achievement)

Reviewed several ways in which individuals can engage with the body and facilitate/maintain both Hedonic and Eudaimonic well being: How we treat it How we move it How we sooth it How we feed it How we dress it How we decorate it How we connect to it

Positive psychology needs a more holistic approach to well being (theoretically and in applications/interventions)

Several further areas of research: Body therapies (body psychotherapy, mindfulness, yoga); Nutrition; Genetics; Positive neuroscience; Positive psychophysiology

Creation of ‘Embodied Positive Psychology’ interest groups or divisions (sport and physical activity, performance psychology)

K.hefferon@uel.ac.uk

www.katehefferon.com

@katehefferon (twitter)