Theory

Interested in positive psychology? Join us for the 9th European Conference on Positive Psychology (ECPP) and preconference meetings. The conference will take place in Budapest, Hungary, from June 26 through June 30. Luminaries in the field will explore the conference theme, “Positive psychology for a flourishing Europe in times of transition.”

If you were to ask me whether to get a Ph.D., or do research, or go into positive psychology, here are seven questions I would ask you. From the answers to these questions, you will likely know where you belong. After that, it’s up to you to understand the vagaries of the field (and job market!) and to find mentors to train, advise, and advocate for you so that you can make your own mark in the field.

Though I have searched the positive psychology literature, I have found very little about the link between the humanities and well-being. Nevertheless, research in positive psychology linking the humanities with well-being could have far-reaching results and would be a proper study of mankind.

Since a quick look at my bio reveals that I earned the first doctorate in positive psychology back in 2010, I know you are expecting a resounding yes to the question. I’d love to give that answer, but it’s not that simple. Let’s explore some questions about it.

We intuitively know that when we sleep poorly, we are drawn to snacking and overeating. We also know that nothing gets rid of a crappy mood faster than a good sweat and that lower stress levels contribute to a better night’s sleep. So why are so many programs treating sleep, food, mood, and exercise as if they were separate topics?

There are many good reasons why we should focus more on flow as a route to well-being. Five of the best ones are highlighted here along with several tips for making flow experiences more likely.

Shame resilience theory (SRT) was developed by researcher and author Brené Brown in 2006. Given that Brown’s recent TED talk called Listening to Shame has already been viewed nearly one million times, I thought this would be a good time to take a closer look at the theory behind the phenomenon. Shame and vulnerability are topics nearly nobody wants to discuss, yet there’s something that deeply resonates with Brown’s work.

I sympathize if you’re one of the estimated 35% of people who have already fallen off the wagon and given up on your New Year’s Resolutions, but help is at hand. Positive psychology coaching offers some useful insights into setting goals and sticking with them that might help just help you see them through.

Consider this question: How should a person live in order to flourish? This is a big question, and the attempts to answer it are significant. A person can cultivate strengths, be grateful and forgiving, do unto others, and so on. Now consider another question: What do people who are flourishing do? This is also a big question, but quite different from previous one.