1. Positive Psychology Strategies for Promoting Student Well-being Dalton Institute 2014 Dr. Pete Mather Ohio University Twitter: @DrPeteMather

2. Foundations of Positive Psychology  History  Well-being & Happiness (PERMA)  Positive Emotion  Engagement  Relationships  Meaning  Accomplishment

3. 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...

4. 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

5. 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)

6. Evolutionary Psychology

7. Overcoming Negativity Bias  Lyubomirsky’s “The How of Happiness”  H = S et Point + C ircumstances + V oluntary Activities  S = 50%; C = 10%; V = 40%  Person – Activity Fit Diagnostic

8. Appreciative Mindset  The problem with focusing on problems  The Hope Imperative: Creating images of who we’d like to become  Positive Deviance

9. Strengths  Gallup’s Strengths Finder  34 Signature Strengths  Values in Action (VIA)  Peterson and Seligman  Strengthspotting  Linley, Willars and Biswas-Diener

10. Accomplishments  Discuss an accomplishment/something you are particularly proud of..  What factors led to this accomplishment?  Goals?  Authentic  Activity  Intrinsic  Attraction

11. 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

12. 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!

13. References  Cooperrider, D. L., Whitney, D. (2005). Appreciative Inquiry: A Positive Revolution in Change. Berrett-Koehler Publishers.Appreciative Inquiry: A Positive Revolution in Change  Fredrickson, B. L., & Branigan, C. (2005). Positive emotions broaden the scope of attention and thought-action repertoires. Cognition and Emotion, 19, 313-332.Positive emotions broaden the scope of attention and thought-action repertoires.  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.

14. 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.