scholarly journals Towards a Strengths-Based Personal Informatics Framework for Transformative Tourism Experiences: A Phenomenological Study on Serious Leisure Practitioners

Author(s):  
C. K. Bruce Wan ◽  
Cees J. P. M. de Bont ◽  
Paul Hekkert ◽  
Kenny K. N. Chow

AbstractPersonal technology plays an integral role in shaping people’s quality of life which includes leisure and tourism experiences. A number of personal informatics tools can support people in performing their activities by collecting biometric and environmental data; however, little is known regarding the use of psychological data to enrich leisure and tourism experiences. To address this research gap, this study aims to propose a conceptual framework that fosters memorable and meaningful leisure experiences (MMEs) based on theories from serious leisure and positive psychology. In particular, this study probes into the MMEs of serious leisure practitioners who put their efforts and resources into pursuing intrinsically rewarding leisure activities. Excelling at these activities, which may draw upon participants’ character strengths, yields sustained fulfillment which fosters personal transformation. The idiosyncratic nature of MMEs demands a phenomenological inquiry that involves in-depth interviews concerning the character strengths used and their development trajectories. Using theory triangulation from both positive psychology and serious leisure allows researchers to gain a holistic view of participants’ well-being. Character strengths were found to be the integral factors that contribute to MMEs at different stages of leisure activities. The result identified three aspects of strengths used: strengths well spent, reflection and introspection, and anticipation of the future self, which informs the development of a strengths-based personal informatics framework for leisure and tourism.

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 11-35
Author(s):  
Tammy Gregersen ◽  
Peter D. MacIntyre ◽  
Rachel Buck

Positive psychology has been introduced to the applied linguistics literature with the broad goal of improving the experience of language learners and teachers through a variety of interventions (MacIntyre & Mercer, 2014; Gabryś-Barker & Gałajda, 2016). “The aim of positive psychology is to catalyze a change in psychology from preoccupation only with repairing the worst things in life to also building the best qualities in life” (Seligman &Csikszentmihalyi, 2000, p. 5). One significant contribution of this young field has been a series of empirically-tested positive psychology interventions (PPIs) that have been shown to increase positive emotion, reduce distress, and/or improve well-being (Seligman, Steen, Park, & Peterson, 2005; Sin & Lyubormirsky, 2009). In the present research, we examine one application of a PPI involving a focus on using character strengths as a way to address language anxiety. Through a case study analysis, we demonstrate the ways that this intervention was beneficial for the student.             


Author(s):  
Shannon M. Suldo ◽  
Jenni Menon Mariano ◽  
Hannah Gilfix

Grounded in positive psychology, this chapter focuses on constructs that increase well-being and may result in a flourishing emotional state. Within the PERMA framework, flourishing is reflected in positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning, and accomplishment. Specifically, this chapter takes an in-depth look into the constructs of positive emotions, character, and purpose. Information on measurement tools, correlates, and possible interventions for each of the three constructs is provided. An emphasis is also placed on promising positive psychology interventions, many of which utilize strategies involving character strengths as defined in accordance with the Values in Action (VIA) Classification of Character Strengths and Virtues. The chapter concludes with information on how a reader can implement various positive psychology activities, as well as different school based-programs that incorporate purpose and positive psychology interventions.


2008 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 2156759X0801200 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nansook Park ◽  
Christopher Peterson

The basic premise of positive psychology is that the happiness and fulfillment of children and youth entail more than the identification and treatment of their problems. This article provides an overview of positive psychology and the Values in Action (VIA) project that classifies and measures 24 widely recognized character strengths. Good character is multidimensional, made up of a family of positive traits manifest in an individual's thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Recent research findings are presented concerning the correlates and the consequences of the VIA character strengths for positive youth development. Character strengths are related to achievement, life satisfaction, and well-being of children and youth. Further, the implications and specific techniques informed by positive psychology are discussed for school counselors in the context of a strengths-based approach.


2015 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 113-136 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sophie Leontopoulou

This study assessed the impact of a positive psychology intervention in a sample of 40 young men (35%) and women (65%) aged 18-30 years. Participants were 1st and 4th year undergraduate University students, postgraduate students and working youths. The study examined the effects of a battery of interventions commonly used in positive psychology interventions, including a video and three exercises (i.e. expressing gratitude, best possible selves, goal setting) on character strengths, hope, gratitude and social relations. Intervention activities were carried out during a session that lasted an hour and a half, while a further half-hour evaluation session took place after a two-week interval. Marked positive changes were revealed with regards to youths’ well-being as a result of the intervention. In particular, elevated levels of hope, perceptions of social support and ability to handle social stress successfully, as well as levels of three out of six key character strengths, i.e. courage, humanity/love and transcendence were observed. Influences of demographic and socio-psychological characteristics of youths on the above variables; constellations of intricate relations between them; as well as certain developmental patterns were also highlighted. The repercussions of the above findings for the advancement of positive psychology knowledge and interventions are discussed.


Author(s):  
Susan Hallam ◽  
Andrea Creech ◽  
Maria Varvarigou

Music constitutes a leisure activity for many people, either through listening or making music. For some, singing or playing constitutes a “serious” leisure activity while for others it is recreational. Similarly, listening for some is a hobby to which they devote considerable time and energy; for others it constitutes casual engagement. Despite these differences in forms and levels of engagement, music can have a considerable impact on subjective well-being. Well-being can be enhanced through listening while undertaking other tasks or through using music to change moods and emotions. However, music can cause distress when it is not to the liking of a listener and out of their control. Music can also play a role in the development and maintenance of identity through the kind of music listened to. Attending live music requires a greater level of interest but leads to similar benefits as active music making.


Author(s):  
Tihana Brkljačić ◽  
Lana Lučić ◽  
Ines Sučić

Traditional mind sports are extremely suitable for online environment, so various specialized platforms, were developed for this purpose. Although online games are technically superior and popular, many players argue that online play lacks “the game spirit”. The aim of this article was to compare motives and experiences of live and online games of Bridge. The authors conducted ten semi-structured online interviews with bridge players. All participants confirmed that Bridge significantly improved their quality of life. The participants reported benefits in accordance with Major (2001) serious leisure benefits and partially in accordance with the DRAMMA model of five factors related to leisure activities (Newman, Tay and Diener, 2014). Results showed that online bridge was generally perceived as less challenging and demanding, but appropriate for training purposes. The most important difference in motivation is related to boredom – frequent motive of online bridge, while not existent in live settings.


Author(s):  
Tihana Brkljačić ◽  
Lana Lučić ◽  
Ines Sučić

Traditional mind sports are extremely suitable for online environment, so various specialized platforms, were developed for this purpose. Although online games are technically superior and popular, many players argue that online play lacks “the game spirit”. The aim of this article was to compare motives and experiences of live and online games of Bridge. The authors conducted ten semi-structured online interviews with bridge players. All participants confirmed that Bridge significantly improved their quality of life. The participants reported benefits in accordance with Major (2001) serious leisure benefits and partially in accordance with the DRAMMA model of five factors related to leisure activities (Newman, Tay and Diener, 2014). Results showed that online bridge was generally perceived as less challenging and demanding, but appropriate for training purposes. The most important difference in motivation is related to boredom – frequent motive of online bridge, while not existent in live settings.


Author(s):  
Daniel J. Tomasulo

This chapter describes how intentional well-being interventions integrate the development of character strengths and activation of positive emotional resources while reducing risks and alleviating symptoms of depression and poor health. The emergence of these interventions reaches back nearly half a century and each layer of development has led to a more robust platform for implementing these approaches. Now, based on the evidence-based principles of positive psychology, these positive interventions help to cultivate hope through a more balanced approach to well-being than traditional deficit-oriented methods of psychotherapy. This chapter looks at the history of development of these interventions and their likely next phase of development.


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