scholarly journals Biological contributions to well-being: The relationships amongst temperament, character strengths and resilience

2010 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ann-Marie K. Hutchinson ◽  
Anita D. Stuart ◽  
Hester G. Pretorius
Keyword(s):  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Positive Psychology ◽  
Sense Of Coherence ◽  
Character Strengths ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Measuring Instruments ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Personal Strengths ◽  
Resilience Scale ◽  
Managerial Implications

Orientation: Positive psychology emphasises the nurturing of personal strengths, yet little research to date has investigated the role of nature in psychological wellness.Research purpose: The study aimed to address this dearth by investigating the relationship between temperament, with its biological roots, and psychological well-being and also to ascertain whether character strengths and resilience can be predicted by certain temperament traits.Motivation for the study: Although the biological bases of mental illness have been researched extensively in past studies, there is very little research regarding the biological bases of psychological wellness.Research design, approach and method: This quantitative study selected a sample of 620 participants and applied four measuring instruments, namely the Zuckerman-Kuhlman Personality Questionnaire, the Values in Action – Inventory of Strengths (VIA-IS) , the Sense of Coherence scale and the Resilience scale to measure temperament and well-being. Correlations and logistic regression analyses were used to analyse the data.Main findings: There are relationships between certain biologically based temperament traits and the psychological constructs of character strengths and resilience. Logistic regression models, using temperament as the independent variable, correctly predicted high and low scores on the Sense of Coherence scale, the Resilience scale and the (VIA-IS) with 64% – 76.1% accuracy.Pratical/managerial implications: Understanding the physiological substrates of flourishing and being able to predict strengths based on temperament promise advances in applying positive psychology concepts.Contribution/value-add: Values, ethics, character strengths, virtues and resilience are universal and may be entrenched in biology, according to some theorists. This has not been researched much, however. The current study addressed this dearth.

Exploring protective factors through positive psychology and salutogenesis in Danish families with type 2 diabetes

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julie Meldgaard ◽  
Louise Norman Jespersen ◽  
Tue Helms Andersen ◽  
Dan Grabowski
Keyword(s):  
Type 2 Diabetes ◽  
Chronic Illness ◽  
Positive Psychology ◽  
Social Relations ◽  
Sense Of Coherence ◽  
Psychological Health ◽  
Diabetes Management ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Analytical Framework

Summary People with type 2 diabetes (T2D) live with several challenges, which may enhance the risk of poor mental and physical health. However, despite living with a chronic illness, some individuals manage to achieve a life with positivity and well-being. The objective of this study is to explore the potential of Positive Psychology and Salutogenesis when analyzing how families with one or more members with T2D experience having resources leading to thriving. Data consist of 18 semi-structured family interviews with 38 participants. Data were analyzed using systematic text condensation with the concepts of sense of coherence and upward/downward spirals as the analytical framework. The analysis revealed three overall findings: (i) T2D is perceived as manageable due to general optimism despite living with a chronic illness; (ii) establishing supportive social relations means having the opportunity to share the burden of diabetes; and (iii) achieving an open dialogue and communicating the difficulties of diabetes without straining surroundings with negative illness communication. The three overall findings may reinforce each other in an upward spiral and enhance the sense of coherence. These findings have implications for diabetes management research and our understanding of psychological health in chronic illness. The overall goal is to help people with diabetes create meaning with their illness and make use of their social environment through dialogue and communication in order to increase positivity, optimism and mental health.

scholarly journals The Contribution of Food Consumption to Well-Being

2019 ◽  
Vol 74 (Suppl. 2) ◽  
pp. 44-52 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark D. Holder
Keyword(s):  
Food Intake ◽  
Positive Psychology ◽  
Food Consumption ◽  
Fast Food ◽  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Healthy Foods ◽  
Personal Strengths ◽  
The Relationship

The newly emerging field of positive psychology focuses on the positive facets of life, including happiness, life satisfaction, personal strengths, and flourishing. Research in this field has empirically identified many important benefits of enhanced well-being, including improvements in blood pressure, immune competence, longevity, career success, and satisfaction with personal relationships. Recognizing these benefits has motivated researchers to identify the correlates and causes of well-being to inform them in the development and testing of strategies and interventions to elevate well-being. As positive psychology researchers throughout the world have turned their attention toward facets of food intake, a consensus is developing that the consumption of healthy foods can enhance well-being in a dose-response fashion. The link between unhealthy foods and well-being is less clear. Some studies suggest that under certain conditions, fast food may increase happiness, though other studies demonstrate that fast food can indirectly undermine happiness. The positive impact of food consumption on well-being is not limited to what people consume but extends to how they consume it and social factors related to eating. Though the research suggests that our food intake, particularly fruits and vegetables, increases our well-being, this research is in its infancy. Research specifically focused on subpopulations, including infants and pregnant mothers, is mostly lacking, and the mechanisms that underlie the relationship between food consumption and well-being remain to be elucidated.

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

2022 ◽  
pp. 331-342
Author(s):  
C. K. Bruce Wan ◽  
Cees J. P. M. de Bont ◽  
Paul Hekkert ◽  
Kenny K. N. Chow
Keyword(s):  
Positive Psychology ◽  
Phenomenological Study ◽  
Character Strengths ◽  
Leisure Activities ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Environmental Data ◽  
Serious Leisure ◽  
Personal Informatics ◽  
Integral Role ◽  
Development Trajectories

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.

scholarly journals Personal strength in the “VIA” model as a predictor of a teacher’s well-being in the professional sphere

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 371-388
Author(s):  
Artur Rean ◽  
◽  
Alexey Stavtsev ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Positive Psychology ◽  
Professional Competence ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Personal Factors ◽  
Personal Strengths ◽  
Multiplier Effect ◽  
Action Model ◽  
The Russian Federation ◽  
The One ◽  
The Individual

This article examines the “predictive model of personal well-being of a teacher in the professional sphere” developed by the authors based on a study conducted on a wide sample of teachers in the Russian Federation (N=7946). The presented model is based on the VIA (Values in Action) model, one of the key measures in the scientific direction of positive psychology. In the course of the study, 14 personal strengths out of 24 in the original model, which have the greatest multiplier effect of usefulness for personal well-being in the professional sphere of education were identified. Personal well-being in the professional sphere is described as a set of personal factors, including, first of all, high self-efficacy of the individual and the absence of professional burnout, and secondly, the individual’s general psychological well-being represented by life satisfaction and self-esteem. The authors believe that the resulting model can become an effective tool for the practical application of the concepts of positive psychology. On the one hand, it can be applied in the field of vocational guidance of young people. On the other hand, the model can be used as a tool for the development of professional competence of teachers in the field of personal well-being in the professional sphere, for example, in the form of selecting the most effective positive psychological interventions (PPI). The authors con clude that in the future, it is possible to scale the presented concept to other professional areas.

scholarly journals Using Character Strengths to Address English Writing Anxiety

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 11-35
Author(s):  
Tammy Gregersen ◽  
Peter D. MacIntyre ◽  
Rachel Buck
Keyword(s):  
Positive Psychology ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Positive Emotion ◽  
Significant Contribution ◽  
Character Strengths ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Writing Anxiety ◽  
English Writing ◽  
Case Study Analysis

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.             

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.

Promoting Students’ Positive Emotions, Character, and Purpose

2020 ◽  
pp. 282-312
Author(s):  
Shannon M. Suldo ◽  
Jenni Menon Mariano ◽  
Hannah Gilfix
Keyword(s):  
Positive Psychology ◽  
Positive Emotions ◽  
Emotional State ◽  
Character Strengths ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Positive Psychology Interventions ◽  
School Based ◽  
Measurement Tools ◽  
Via Classification

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.

Positive psychology in dual diagnosis: a preliminary investigation

2016 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 139-153 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katalin Ujhelyi ◽  
Jerome Carson ◽  
Mark Holland
Keyword(s):  
Positive Psychology ◽  
Dual Diagnosis ◽  
Rapid Development ◽  
Preliminary Investigation ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Integrated Treatment ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Resilience Scale ◽  
Mental Well Being ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Positive psychology is an area of rapid development in mainstream psychology, yet it has had little impact thus far in the field of dual diagnosis (DD). Effective treatment for clients with DD is limited, due to the lack of all-encompassing interventions that treat the two conditions simultaneously. The purpose of this paper is threefold: first, to discover the prevalence of DD among users of selected drug services in Manchester; second, to explore differences between DD clients and those with substance use in hope, resilience, and well-being; and third, to identify predictors of hope, resilience, and well-being in this population. Design/methodology/approach The Snyder Hope Scale, the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, and the Short Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale were administered to 113 users of drug services through a convenience sampling method. Findings Findings from this preliminary investigation indicated that the DD group were more vulnerable as they were less hopeful, less resilient, and had poorer well-being than their counterparts. Practical implications This population of clients might benefit from specialized integrated treatment facilitating hope and resilience, which in turn would improve their well-being. Originality/value The present study addresses a gap in the literature. Although the above positive psychological aspects have been looked at in relation to mental health, and in relation to addiction, the current research explores these positive dimensions with regard to the co-occurrence of substance abuse and mental illness.

scholarly journals Managing logistical supply chain drivers: A predictor of small township retailers’ odds of survival

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Themari Eicker ◽  
J. Orpha Cilliers
Keyword(s):  
Economic Development ◽  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Supply Chain ◽  
Developing Country ◽  
Regression Models ◽  
Binary Logistic Regression ◽  
Economic Conditions ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Managerial Implications ◽  
Value Add

Orientation: Formal independent small Sowetan retail businesses operate under challenging economic conditions that impede their ability to survive. However, the management of the logistical supply chain drivers can increase these small retailers’ odds of survival.Research purpose: To investigate whether the management of the logistical supply chain drivers can serve as a predictor of formal independent small Sowetan retail businesses’ odds of survival.Motivation for the study: Assisting formal independent small Sowetan retail businesses to integrate with local and formal supply chains, as well as increasing their odds of survival amidst the difficult economic conditions under which they operate.Research design, approach and method: A quantitative survey was conducted among 650 formal independent small Sowetan businesses, of which the responses of 556 retailers were analysed. Two binary logistic regression models were developed to determine whether the management of the logistical supply chain drivers could predict the small retailers’ odds of survival.Main findings: The results of two binary logistic regression models showed that the management of the three logistical supply chain drivers influences the odds of formal independent small Sowetan retail businesses surviving for 5 years or longer, as well as their odds of growing their annual income.Practical/managerial implications: Assisting policymakers when designing developmental initiatives for townships.Contribution/value-add: This study strives to assist formal independent small Sowetan retail businesses operating within a developing country to manage their logistical supply chain drivers to increase their odds of survival and contribute to the economic development of their country.

scholarly journals Predicting Pathways of Grit among undergraduate students

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 143-160
Keyword(s):  
Positive Psychology ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Meaning In Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Subjective Happiness ◽  
Psychological Wellness ◽  
Correlation And Regression Analysis ◽  
Resilience Scale ◽  
Life Scale ◽  
The University

The present research examines how the presence of psychological wellbeing, resilience, hope, subjective happiness, and meaning in life can increase psychological grit in 482 undergraduate students. To test this model, positive psychology factors are used as a predictor of psychological grit. Positive psychology factors influence the passion and perseverance of the undergraduate students of the university to achieve their short- and long-term goals. To gather information from the participants, we used the grit scale, Ryff psychological wellness scale, brief resilience scale, purpose in life scale, subjective happiness scale, and hope scale. The variables in the studies were calculated using correlation and regression analysis. Psychological well-being and resilience were found to be important predictors of psychological grit in the study. The findings of the study have implications for counsellors, planners, and politicians who must consider all of the variables that predict and increase grit in university students.

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