Positive Psychology Strategies for Promoting Student Well-beingDalton Institute 2014

Dr. Pete Mather

Ohio University

Twitter: @DrPeteMather

Foundations of Positive Psychology

History Well-being & Happiness (PERMA)

Positive Emotion Engagement Relationships Meaning Accomplishment

Positive Emotions

Example: Gratitude Tell a neighbor about someone who has contributed to

you being where you are today Positive Emotions: Joy, Serenity, Hope, Inspiration. . .

Broaden and Build Theory

• Positivity/happiness, corresponds to problem-solving skills, creativity, and related positive outcomes

• Negativity (e.g., fear) narrows one’s options and limits creativity

• Happiness and well-being promote altruism, reduce racial bias, and extend life

Keep your eye on the prize

“Happiness” as a goal of higher education Aristotle: “Happiness is the meaning and the purpose

of life, the whole aim and end of human existence” Eudaimonia

Amazon Results 38,169 (Happiness) 123,269 (Money)

Evolutionary Psychology

Overcoming Negativity Bias

Lyubomirsky’s “The How of Happiness” H = Set Point + Circumstances + Voluntary

Activities S = 50%; C = 10%; V = 40%

Person – Activity Fit Diagnostic

Appreciative Mindset

The problem with focusing on problems The Hope Imperative: Creating images of who we’d like

to become Positive Deviance

Strengths

Gallup’s Strengths Finder 34 Signature Strengths

Values in Action (VIA) Peterson and Seligman

Strengthspotting Linley, Willars and Biswas-Diener

Accomplishments

Discuss an accomplishment/something you are particularly proud of . .

What factors led to this accomplishment? Goals?

Authentic Activity Intrinsic Attraction

Happy Together

The Love Imperative Rich and deep relationships are the largest

determinant of well-being Fostering rich relationships with today’s college

students Micro moments of connection are meaningful (Love 2.0)

Challenges presented by fast pace/technology

Strategies

Gratitude Strengths Acts of kindness Exercise strengths Practice positive deviance Put energy and effort into positive relationships Happiness is not an all or nothing prospect!

References

Cooperrider, D. L., Whitney, D. (2005). Appreciative Inquiry: A Positive Revolution in Change . Berrett-Koehler Publishers.

Fredrickson, B. L., & Branigan, C. (2005). Positive emotions broaden the scope of attention and thought-action repertoires. Cognition and Emotion, 19, 313-332.

Linley, A. P. (2008). Average to A+: Realising strengths in yourself and others. Warwick, UK: Random House.

Luthans, F., Youssef, C. & Avolio, B. (2007). Psychological capital: Developing the human capital edge. Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press.

References

Lyubomirsky, S. (2008). The how of happiness: A practical approach to getting the life you want. New York, NY: Penguin Press.

Mather, P. C. & Hulme, E. (Eds.). Positive Psychology and Appreciative Inquiry in Higher Education. New Directions for Student Services, 143, 31 - 40. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.

Peterson, C. & Seligman, M. E. P. (2004). Character strengths and virtues: A handbook and classification. New York, NY: Oxford University Press.

Seligman, M. E. P. (2002). Authentic Happiness:Using the new positive psychology to realize your potential for lasting fulfillment. New York, NY: The Free Press.

Seligman, M. E. P. (2011). Flourish: A visionary new understanding of happiness and well-being. New York, NY: The Free Press.