Pursuing PERMA in a Pandemic: Reflections on a Socially-Distanced Advising Session

Relay Journal ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 5-15
Author(s):  
Jason R. Walters
Keyword(s):  
Positive Psychology ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Essential Elements ◽  
Language Learner ◽  
Research Interest ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Japanese University ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Advisor Role

Drawing on transcribed excerpts, this reflection describes an online advising session conducted by the author, a full-time EFL lecturer and developing language learning advisor, with a language learner attending a private Japanese university. This follows from a previous advising session conducted prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and explores the impact of the pandemic on the learner’s reported motivation. The advisor engages with the advisee to identify obstacles to motivation and other essential elements of overall well-being and is required to adapt after recognizing that a prepared advising tool is poorly suited to the advisee’s needs. Together, the pair identifies an opportunity to create positive associations between language learning and the advisee’s gaming hobby. The author experiences a greater sense of authenticity in the advisor role after considering the needs of his advisee via his existing research interest in positive psychology.

An Interview with Sarah Mercer on Language Learner and Teacher Well-Being

Relay Journal ◽  
2019 ◽  
pp. 459-463
Author(s):  
Sam Morris ◽  
Sarah Mercer
Keyword(s):  
Positive Psychology ◽  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Learner Autonomy ◽  
Foreign Language Teaching ◽  
Language Learner ◽  
Language Teacher ◽  
New Directions ◽  
The University

In our June 2019 LAB session on Teacher/Advisor Education for Learner Autonomy, our featured interview was conducted with Sarah Mercer, Professor of Foreign Language Teaching and Head of ELT at the University of Graz, Austria. Sarah has published a wealth of papers in the field of language and teacher psychology, and co-edited many books including, most recently, New Directions in Language Learning Psychology (2016), Positive Psychology in SLA (2016), and Language Teacher Psychology (2018). Sarah was awarded the 2018 Robert C. Gardner Award for Outstanding Research in Bilingualism in recognition of her work. We were delighted that she was able to share her knowledge on the topic of language learner and teacher well-being with us during the session.

Studying Subjective Well-Being during a Quarantine

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samuel Browning ◽  
E. Scott Geller
Keyword(s):  
Positive Psychology ◽  
Mood State ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Potential Effect ◽  
Mood States ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
Psychology Class ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Impact

To investigate the impact of writing a gratitude letter on particular mood states, we asked students in two university classes (a research class and a positive psychology class) to complete a 15-item mood assessment survey (MAS) twice a day (once in the morning and once at night). The research students who signed up for one or two pass/fail field-study credits in a research class also completed the MAS twice a day, but they did not write the weekly gratitude letter that was expected from the students in the positive psychology class. Each mood state was averaged per each day for the participants in each group and compared between the Gratitude Group and the Control Group. No group difference occurred for some mood states like “incompetent,” but for the “unmotivated” mood state, a significant difference was found. To investigate the potential effect of weekday, we compared the average mood rating between groups for each day of the week. For the mood state of “unmotivated”, a remarkable dip occurred on Wednesday for the Gratitude group, but not for the Control group. These results indicated that writing a gratitude letter increased the benefactor’s motivation, especially on the day when it was accomplished.

Personal Growth and Well-Being at Work: Contributions of Vocational Psychology

2017 ◽  
Vol 46 (1) ◽  
pp. 31-47 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bryan J. Dik ◽  
William F. O’Connor ◽  
Adelyn B. Shimizu ◽  
Ryan D. Duffy
Keyword(s):  
Career Development ◽  
Positive Psychology ◽  
Career Counseling ◽  
Personal Growth ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Vocational Psychology ◽  
Work Behavior ◽  
Career Adaptability ◽  
Ongoing Research ◽  
The Impact

Positive psychology’s focus on human strengths, personal growth, and well-being is frequently applied to career development and the workplace. Such applications also fall within the purview of vocational psychology, yet despite its clear historic and contemporary emphases that support positive psychology goals, the impact of vocational psychology theory, research, and practice on positive psychology has fallen short of its potential. We encourage greater cross-fertilization by explicating how major theoretical paradigms within vocational psychology (person–environment fit, developmental/relational/constructivist perspectives, and social–cognitive career theory) support positive psychology aims. We also summarize recent work on three vocational psychology constructs (work volition, career adaptability, and a sense of calling) that may help to broaden and advance positive psychology’s applications to career development and work behavior. Finally, we discuss future directions for ongoing research related to the vocational and positive psychology intersection, and we outline several implications for career counseling practice.

Loyalties divided or identities as resources? The role of external relational identification in facilitating socialization

2022 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Anzollitto ◽  
Danielle Cooper
Keyword(s):  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Initial Study ◽  
Conservation Of Resources ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Resource Base ◽  
Socialization Process ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Relational Identification ◽  
The Impact

PurposeAlthough research regarding socialization processes recognizes the importance of organizational identification for newcomer adjustment outcomes, it has less frequently considered the impact of newcomer identification with targets external to the organization. This study aims to investigate whether relational identification with identities external to the organization can be beneficial for socialization outcomes, a relationship the authors describe through the conservation of resources theory. At a time when newcomers are expending resources and may not have a support system inside the organization, important identities may foster success through building a resource base of support available to the newcomer.Design/methodology/approachTwo studies were conducted with newcomers, both groups responded to multi-wave surveys. The authors conducted an initial study with undergraduate students (n = 45) in their first semester of college and a second study with working individuals employed full time in their first year in a new organization (n = 148).FindingsRelational identification with identities external to the organization is positively related to job engagement through the dual mediation of social support and psychological well-being. The results indicate that these external resources encourage well-being and free newcomers to invest in becoming physically, emotionally and cognitively engaged with their new jobs.Practical implicationsThe results suggest that organizations may wish to take care in helping newcomers maintain strong relational identities outside the organization while becoming connected with their new organization.Originality/valueThe findings suggest that external relational identities are a neglected and important element influencing the socialization process.

scholarly journals The Intertwined Relationship Between Job Crafting, Work-Related Positive Emotions, and Work Engagement. Evidence from a Positive Psychology Intervention Study

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 210-221 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arianna Costantini ◽  
Riccardo Sartori
Keyword(s):  
Positive Psychology ◽  
Work Engagement ◽  
Positive Emotions ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Job Crafting ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Positive Psychology Intervention ◽  
Public Organisation ◽  
Emotions In The Workplace ◽  
The Impact

Purpose: The present study examines the impact of a positive psychology intervention on job crafting, positive emotions and work engagement. Design: A sample of 43 employees working in a public organisation received a three day-long resource-based intervention grounded on meaningfulness and practical exercises. Findings: Results showed that the intervention had a positive effect on job crafting, positive job-related affective well-being and work engagement. Moreover, findings from a mediation model show that the intervention was effective in sustaining work engagement resulting from experienced positive emotions, which in turn resulted from job crafting behaviours. Originality/Value: To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to investigate the intertwined relationships between job crafting behaviours, positive emotions in the workplace, and work engagement. Moreover, our findings provide evidence of the effectiveness of the proposed positive psychology intervention to support work engagement resulting from proactive adjustment to the work environment and the positive emotions deriving from it.

Self-Determination

2009 ◽  
pp. 356-366 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael L. Wehmeyer ◽  
Todd D. Little ◽  
Julie Sergeant
Keyword(s):  
Positive Psychology ◽  
Human Agency ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The Self ◽  
Self Determination ◽  
Psychological Construct ◽  
Human Behaviors ◽  
Human Functioning ◽  
Theoretical View ◽  
The Impact

Self-determination is a general psychological construct within the organizing structure of theories of human agency which refers to self- (vs. other-) caused action—to people acting volitionally, based on their own will. Human agency refers to the sense of personal empowerment involving both knowing and having what it takes to achieve goals. Human agentic theories share the meta-theoretical view that organismic aspirations drive human behaviors. An organismic perspective of self-determination that views people as active contributors to, or “authors” of their behavior, where behavior is self-regulated and goal-directed, provides a compelling foundation for examining and facilitating the degree to which people become self-determined and the impact of that on the pursuit of optimal human functioning and well-being. Further, an organismic approach to self-determination requires an explicit focus on the interface between the self and context. This chapter discusses the self-determination construct within an organismic perspective, surveys the construct's history and usage in philosophy and psychology, and summarizes four overarching theories of self-determination that are applicable to the field of positive psychology, as well as examining a number of complementary views of human agency as a process of self-determination. Finally, research implications based upon existing knowledge and research in self-determination and positive psychology are identified.

scholarly journals Can Hindrance Stressors Change the Nature of Perceived Employability? An Empirical Study in the Hotel Industry

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (24) ◽  
pp. 10574
Author(s):  
Nazanin Naderiadib Alpler ◽  
Huseyin Arasli
Keyword(s):  
Empirical Study ◽  
Work Engagement ◽  
Job Insecurity ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Tourism Industry ◽  
Partial Least Square ◽  
Least Square ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Perceived Employability ◽  
The Impact

This empirical study aims to design and test a research model that investigates the effect of job insecurity as a moderator of the relationships between perceived employability and employee well-being (work engagement). It also measures the impact of perceived employability on work engagement. Data were gathered from full-time frontline workers employed in five-star hotels in Northern Cyprus to test the study variables; the partial least square structural equation model (PLS-SEM) was applied and supported the research hypotheses. In line with the study predictions and findings from previous literature, perceived employability was found to have a significant positive impact on work engagement. The result revealed that, as a hindrance stressor, job insecurity negatively affects the relationship between perceived employability and work engagement. The findings of this study provide some insights concerning employability’s importance as well as influencing factors on employees’ job selection and their attitudes during job performance in the organizations. The knowledge gathered in this research is a source for stressing the value of employability in developing professional skills and professional involvement, as well as for reducing the perception of job insecurity, especially in the tourism industry, which has a delicate and sensitive structure. The implications of the empirical findings are discussed and future research directions are offered.

scholarly journals Positive psychology and the training of psychologists: Students’ perspectives

2010 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tharina Guse
Keyword(s):  
Positive Psychology ◽  
Professional Training ◽  
Positive Emotions ◽  
Sense Of Self ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Psychological Well Being ◽  
Qualitative Research Design ◽  
Managerial Implications ◽  
Value Add ◽  
The Impact

Orientation: The development of positive psychology interventions have burgeoned internationally and are relevant to the professional training of psychologistsResearch purpose: The aim of this study was to explore the personal and professional impact of including positive psychology in the professional training of clinical and counselling psychologists.Motivation for the study: It is not known how students previously educated in a pathogenic paradigm experience the exposure to positive psychology, and resultant paradigm shift, as part of their professional training.Research design, approach and method: A qualitative research design was implemented. Data consisted of written documents submitted by the participants and was analyzed by means of thematic analysis.Main findings: Integrating positive psychology in the professional training curriculum was valuable and enriching on both a professional and personal level. The participants reported an experience of positive emotions and increased sense of self-understanding and psychological well-being. Professionally they experienced a sense of increased self-efficacy.Practical/managerial implications: Positive psychology should be considered as part of the basic training of psychologists since it may enhance the development of trainee psychologists’ professional self, enhance aspects of psychological well-being as well as prevent stress and burnout.Contribution/value-add: This is the first South African study to explore the impact of including positive psychology principles and interventions in professional training.

Positive Psychotherapy

2018 ◽  
pp. 3-7
Author(s):  
Tayyab Rashid ◽  
Martin Seligman
Keyword(s):  
Positive Psychology ◽  
Therapeutic Approach ◽  
Medical Model ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Positive Psychotherapy ◽  
Psychiatric Distress ◽  
The Impact

Positive psychotherapy (PPT) is an emerging therapeutic approach that is broadly based on the principles of positive psychology (PP). PP studies the conditions and processes that enable individuals, communities, and institutions to flourish. PPT is the clinical or therapeutic arm of PP. PPT integrates symptoms with strengths, risks with resources and deficits with assets. Without dismissing the severity psychiatric distress, or naively minimizing clients’ genuine concerns, PPT identifies and teaches clients evidence-based skills which use their best resources to meet their toughest challenges. Specifically, PPT helps clients to translate their cognitive, emotional, social and cultural strengths into goal-oriented, purposeful and pragmatic actions and habits, which aim to reduce their psychiatric distress as well as enhance their well-being. A strengths-based approach such as PPT can improve the effectiveness of psychotherapy by expanding the scope of psychotherapy, broadening beyond the medical model, expanding the outcome of psychotherapy, and attenuating the impact on the clinician.

scholarly journals Killing Me Softly: Organizational E-mail Monitoring Expectations’ Impact on Employee and Significant Other Well-Being

2019 ◽  
pp. 014920631989065 ◽  
Author(s):  
William J. Becker ◽  
Liuba Y. Belkin ◽  
Samantha A. Conroy ◽  
Sarah Tuskey
Keyword(s):  
Relationship Satisfaction ◽  
Electronic Communication ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Significant Others ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Psychological Stressor ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Organizational Expectations ◽  
E Mail

This paper tests the relationship between organizational expectations to monitor work-related electronic communication during nonwork hours and the health and relationship satisfaction of employees and their significant others. We integrate resource-based theories with research on interruptions to position organizational expectations for e-mail monitoring (OEEM) during nonwork time as a psychological stressor that elicits anxiety due to employee attention allocation conflict. E-mail–triggered anxiety, in turn, negatively affects the health and relationship quality of employees and their significant others. We conducted three studies to test our propositions. Using the experience sampling method with 108 working U.S. adults, Study 1 established within-employee effects of OEEM on anxiety, employee health, and relationship conflict. Study 2 used a sample of 138 dyads of full-time employees and their significant others to replicate detrimental health and relationship effects of OEEM through anxiety. It also showed crossover effects of OEEM on partner health and relationship satisfaction. Finally, Study 3 employed a two-wave data collection method with an online sample of 162 U.S. working adults to provide additional support for the OEEM construct as a distinct and reliable job stressor and replicated findings from Studies 1 and 2. Taken together, our research extends the literature on work-related electronic communication at the interface of work and nonwork boundaries, deepening our understanding of the impact of OEEM on employees and their families’ health and well-being.

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