Showing papers in "The Journal of Positive Psychology in 2018"
TL;DR: Goodman, Disabato, Kashdan, and Kaufmann as discussed by the authors hypothesized that positive emotion, engagement, relationships, meaning, and accomplishment are the elements of well-being.
Abstract: Seligman (2011) hypothesized that PERMA (Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment) are the elements of well-being. Goodman, Disabato, Kashdan & Kaufmann (2017) repor...
376 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a cross-day relationship between creative activity, affect, and flourishing was examined, and it was found that people felt higher activated positive affect and flourishing following days when they reported more creative activity than usual.
Abstract: Recent experience sampling and diary studies have shown that spending time on creative goals during a day is associated with higher activated positive affect (PA) on that day. Based on models of creativity as a tool for promoting well-being, the present study examined cross-day relationships between creative activity, affect, and flourishing. A large sample of young adults (n = 658) took part in a 13-day daily diary study. Each day, they reported how much time they spent on creative activities, daily positive and negative affect, and daily flourishing. Lagged multilevel models revealed that people felt higher activated PA and flourishing following days when they reported more creative activity than usual. The other direction – PA predicting next-day creative activity – was not supported, suggesting that the cross-day effect was specific to creative activity predicting well-being. Overall, these findings support the emerging emphasis on everyday creativity as a means of cultivating positive psychol...
165 citations
TL;DR: The authors compared Seligman's PERMA model of well-being with Diener's model of subjective wellbeing to determine if the newer PERMA captured a type of wellbeing unique from the older SWB.
Abstract: We compared Seligman’s PERMA model of well-being with Diener’s model of subjective well-being (SWB) to determine if the newer PERMA captured a type of well-being unique from the older SWB. Particip...
157 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors conducted a systematic review to quantitatively synthesize the strength of effects between LTPA and subjective well-being (SWB; positive affect, negative affect, life satisfaction).
Abstract: National time use data shows that working adults typically spend their leisure time in passive activities (e.g. watching television), which may detrimentally impact worker well-being. While leisure time physical activity (LTPA) can be strenuous, it likely facilitates detachment from work demands, promotes a wide range of psychological needs, and instigates physiological mechanisms, which in turn can lead to higher worker well-being. In this paper, we conducted a systematic review to quantitatively synthesize the strength of effects between LTPA and subjective well-being (SWB; positive affect, negative affect, life satisfaction). We found that LTPA is associated with both positive affect (k = 7, n = 2,107, r = 0.21) and life satisfaction (k = 7; n = 2544; r = 0.12), but not with negative affect (k = 6; n = 2033; r = −0.05). Our results provide evidence for the importance of engaging in LTPA as a way of promoting SWB.
131 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined the role of psychological capital in academic motivation, engagement, and achievement using both cross-sectional and longitudinal approaches and found that PsyCap was associated with higher autonomous motivation and controlled motivation even after controlling for relevant demographic variables.
Abstract: Psychological capital (PsyCap) has been widely investigated in the organizational context. However, limited attention has been given to the role of PsyCap in the academic setting. The primary objective of this study was to examine how PsyCap is associated with academic motivation, engagement, and achievement using both cross-sectional (Study 1) and longitudinal (Study 2) approaches. Study 1 revealed that PsyCap was associated with higher autonomous motivation and controlled motivation even after controlling for relevant demographic variables. PsyCap was also associated with lower levels of amotivation. Study 2 showed that PsyCap was both a concurrent and prospective predictor of autonomous motivation, controlled motivation, academic engagement, and academic achievement even after controlling for their respective autoregressors and other relevant covariates. Mediational analyses indicated that the effects of T1 PsyCap on T2 achievement and T2 engagement were mediated by T2 autonomous motivation. Th...
98 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigated joy and its relationship to subjective well-being (SWB) and developed measures of joy based on recent conceptualizations of joy in the humanities and social science.
Abstract: In three studies we investigated joy and its relationship to subjective well-being (SWB). We developed measures of joy based on recent conceptualizations of joy in the humanities and social science...
61 citations
TL;DR: This article identified three virtues from the 24 strengths in the VIA Classification of Strengths and Virtues, labeled caring, inquisitiveness, and self-control, and explored this...
Abstract: Recent research has identified three virtues from the 24 strengths in the VIA Classification of Strengths and Virtues, labeled caring, inquisitiveness, and self-control. This article explored this ...
51 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the feasibility of cognitively-based compassion training (CBCT) for second-year medical students was investigated, and the results indicated that CBCT may benefit those most in need by breaking the link between personal suffering and a c...
Abstract: Increasing data suggest that for medical school students the stress of academic and psychological demands can impair social emotions that are a core aspect of compassion and ultimately physician competence. Few interventions have proven successful for enhancing physician compassion in ways that persist in the face of suffering and that enable sustained caretaker well-being. To address this issue, the current study was designed to (1) investigate the feasibility of cognitively-based compassion training (CBCT) for second-year medical students, and (2) test whether CBCT decreases depression, enhances compassion, and improves daily functioning in medical students. Compared to the wait-list group, students randomized to CBCT reported increased compassion, and decreased loneliness and depression. Changes in compassion were most robust in individuals reporting high levels of depression at baseline, suggesting that CBCT may benefit those most in need by breaking the link between personal suffering and a c...
45 citations
TL;DR: This paper proposed a domain-based system model of positive change called the synergistic change model to explore three types of response to intervention (recovery, spill-over, and synergy).
Abstract: This paper argues that psychological and social functioning is fundamentally complex, and that this complexity is critical to understanding how lasting positive changes can be achieved. Principles from complex systems theory are integrated into an empirical positive psychological framework to propose a domain-based systems model of positive change called the Synergistic Change Model. This model proposes that enduring positive change depends on the formation of mutually supportive interactions across multiple domains of psychological and social functioning. The paper uses the model to explore three types of response to intervention – relapse, spill-over, and synergy – which have been supported in the existing positive psychology literature. Three practical intervention strategies arising from the model are outlined to inform the design of future positive interventions. The model challenges reductionistic approaches to positive change and offers several approaches to embrace the complexities of last...
45 citations
TL;DR: In this article, three studies were conducted based on the premise that harmonious passion (HP) provides access to adaptive self-processes, such as mindfulness, whereas obsessive passion (OP) limits such access.
Abstract: The goal of this research was to examine passion as a determinant of mindfulness Three studies were conducted based on the premise that harmonious passion (HP) provides access to adaptive self-processes, such as mindfulness, whereas obsessive passion (OP) limits such access In Study 1 (n = 301), results revealed that HP and OP positively and negatively predicted mindfulness, respectively Study 2 (n = 459) aimed at replicating results from Study 1 and explored the mediating role of mindfulness in the passion–affect relationship Results uncovered that HP and OP, respectively, predicted positively and negatively mindfulness that, in turn, positively predicted positive affect and negatively predicted negative affect These results were replicated in Study 3 (n = 176) while incorporating a time lag in the design Vitality was also included in the model and was positively predicted by mindfulness Findings underscore the facilitative role of HP in accessing adaptive self-processes, such as mindfulness
45 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present a model to demarcate the domain of the arts and humanities by means of an extensional definition (e.g. majors, disciplines, and occupations) integrated with a functional analysis (i.e. modes of engagement and activities of involvement).
Abstract: There is much debate on the value of the arts and humanities in our society. Each side provides strong arguments, but there has been little empirical research to draw on. A key reason for the lack of scientific evidence is the absence of a conceptual model on which to base investigations of the ways the arts and the humanities might contribute to human flourishing. To address this, we present a model to demarcate the domain of the arts and humanities by means of an extensional definition (e.g. majors, disciplines, and occupations) integrated with a functional analysis (i.e. modes of engagement and activities of involvement). We suggest immersion, embeddedness, socialisation, and reflectiveness as mechanisms by which the arts and humanities may enhance various forms of human flourishing. We conclude with implications of the model and ideas for future research to investigate the effects of the arts and humanities on human flourishing.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigated whether satisfaction of employees' basic psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and/or relatedness during leisure positively impacted their leisure domain satisfaction (LSAT).
Abstract: We investigated whether satisfaction of employees’ basic psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and/or relatedness during leisure positively impacted their leisure domain satisfaction (LSAT)...
TL;DR: The authors identify and describe the role of leisure in meaningful engagement with life, informed by leisure and positive psychology literature on these topics, and propose a conceptual framework to describe the relationship between leisure and meaningful engagement.
Abstract: The purpose of this conceptual paper is to identify and describe the role of leisure in meaningful engagement with life, informed by leisure and positive psychology literature on these topics. Spec...
TL;DR: Leisure provides a context with relative freedom wherein emerging adults explore new experiences and access opportunities not always available in more constrained environments like work and school, and five major themes for leisure-based identity development in emerging adulthood are indicated.
Abstract: During a period of newly attained freedom preceding commitments expected in adulthood, emerging adults are faced with the major task of identity development. Leisure provides a context with relative freedom wherein emerging adults explore new experiences and access opportunities not always available in more constrained environments like work and school. In this case study of 40 emerging adults from 18 countries (Mage =23.14 years), qualitative interviews were used to investigate the role of leisure as a context for identity development. Results indicate five major themes for leisure-based identity development in emerging adulthood: discovering identity, forming identity, defining identity, positioning identity, and forgoing opportunities. These themes support leisure as an additional context wherein emerging adults may flourish on the pathway toward adulthood. Access to both novel and familiar leisure provide a context for emerging adults to actively direct their identity development through decisions made in leisure time.
TL;DR: In this paper, positive psychology and the study of leisure of leisure have more in common than meets the eye and their shared ground is especially evident in the concept of leisure activity: a type of pursuit, wher...
Abstract: Positive psychology and the study of leisure of leisure have more in common than meets the eye. Their shared ground is especially evident in the concept of leisure activity: a type of pursuit, wher...
TL;DR: This article explored potential moderators that may offset the negative impact of overly high challenge on flow state and found that dyadic games and flow proneness mitigated the negative relationship between challenge and flow state.
Abstract: Flow theory postulates that flow experience is the most intense under high-challenge/high-skill conditions, whereas an excess of challenge is aversive. This study explores potential moderators that may offset the negative impact of overly high challenge on flow state. The literature suggests that a situational factor, teamwork, and a dispositional factor, flow proneness, may moderate the relationship between challenge and flow state. We tested these moderators with Hong Kong Chinese students whose optimal condition for experiencing flow was biased toward low-challenge/high-skill. A total of 128 participants played puzzles in three challenge levels both alone and in pairs. Although challenge level was negatively associated with flow state, dyadic (team) game (compared with solitary game) and flow proneness mitigated the negative relationship between challenge and flow state. These findings shed light on factors that promote enjoyment in challenging activities even among people in cultures that are ...
TL;DR: This paper examined if beliefs about the malleable nature of happiness (growth mindsets) are associated with well-being and if this wellbeing had downstream implications for satisfactiveness.
Abstract: Three studies (N = 794) examined if beliefs about the malleable nature of happiness (growth mindsets) are associated with well-being and if this well-being had downstream implications for satisfact...
TL;DR: In this article, a new model of role behavior in teams was proposed (comprising seven such team roles: idea creator, information gatherer, decision-maker, implementer, influencer, energizer, and relationship manager), but an assessment instrument was lacking so far.
Abstract: Well-functioning teamwork has frequently been linked to increased work satisfaction and performance. However, there is a paucity of research on the different types of roles in teams. Recently, a new model of role behavior in teams was proposed (comprising seven such team roles: Idea creator, information gatherer, decision-maker, implementer, influencer, energizer, and relationship manager), but an assessment instrument was lacking so far. The present study describes the construction of an instrument for the assessment of these roles in two samples (N = 291 and 274) and examines their relationships with character strengths and job satisfaction. Results show that the team roles are positively related to job satisfaction and most character strengths. The findings support the important role of character strengths in work-related settings and lay ground for further studies on team roles.
TL;DR: In this article, the qualities of serious leisure in relation to subjective well-being (SWB) were investigated using a four-step hierarchical regression analysis using data obtained from 505 individu...
Abstract: This study investigated the qualities of serious leisure in relation to subjective well-being (SWB). A four-step hierarchical regression analysis was conducted using data obtained from 505 individu...
TL;DR: This paper raised concerns about positive psychology's classification of character strengths and virtues and issues of measurement, and examined the process whereby the classification was compilated and the process of classification was conducted.
Abstract: This essay raises concerns about positive psychology’s classification of character strengths and virtues and issues of measurement. Part I examines the process whereby the classification was compil...
TL;DR: The sport of pickleball, a paddle sport, is the fastest growing sport in the US as discussed by the authors, and it has a growing interest in understanding its positive effect on older adults.
Abstract: Pickleball, a paddle sport, is the fastest-growing sport in the US. As pickleball has been specifically popular among older adults, there is a growing interest in understanding its positive...
TL;DR: The Comprehensive Inventory of Virtuous Instantiations of Character (CIOC) as discussed by the authors ) is a character scale based on the four dimensions: appreciation, intellectual engagement, fortitude, interpersonal consideration, sincerity, temperance, transcendence, and empathy.
Abstract: The present research study sought to develop and validate a character scale – the Comprehensive Inventory of Virtuous Instantiations of Character using a total sample size of 3679 across five studies. In Study 1, character trait items were generated using an integrative classification system. In Study 2, character trait scales were further refined and their factor structure examined, revealing eight higher-order character dimensions or character cores: appreciation, intellectual engagement, fortitude, interpersonal consideration, sincerity, temperance, transcendence, and empathy. Study 3 established convergent validity of character traits with extant measures and discriminability from personality facets, social desirability, and moral cognitive development. Study 4 revealed that character cores were more strongly related to evaluative constructs than personality dimensions. Study 5 demonstrated that character cores predicted performance and psychological well-being outcomes above and beyond person...
TL;DR: The Character Strengths Inventory for Early Childhood (CSI-EC) as discussed by the authors is a parent report inventory that was developed to measure pre-school children's character strengths consistent with the VIA Classific...
Abstract: The Character Strengths Inventory for Early Childhood (CSI-EC) is a parent report inventory that was developed to measure pre-school children’s character strengths consistent with the VIA Classific...
TL;DR: This paper found that mental simulations involving familiar settings were of greater subjective quality than simulations involving unfamiliar settings, and that simulating future events in familiar (vs. unfamiliar) settings indirectly increased the perceived meaningfulness of life.
Abstract: Two studies assessed whether mentally simulating specific future events to occur in familiar (vs. unfamiliar) settings indirectly increases meaning life via the subjective quality of the simulations. Participants in both studies (N = 344) were randomly assigned to visualize themselves doing something in familiar (e.g. home) or unfamiliar (e.g. fantasy world) settings in the future. They then rated the subjective quality of these visualizations and completed a measure of meaning in life. We replicated previous findings by showing that mental simulations involving familiar settings were of greater subjective quality than simulations involving unfamiliar settings. However, we also found that simulating future events in familiar (vs. unfamiliar) settings indirectly increased the perceived meaningfulness of life. These findings integrate research in cognitive psychology with research on the psychology of well-being and reveal how mental time travel contributes to the perception that one’s life has meaning.
TL;DR: The VIA Classification of Strengths and Virtues as mentioned in this paper is a structural model of individual traits, rather than a moral theory, which can address some concerns about the model, including its failure to account for the unity of the virtues.
Abstract: Han, Miller, and Snow have written three thoughtful critiques of the VIA Classification of Strengths and Virtues. In this response, I emphasize five points. First, I suggest the concept of practical wisdom may be understood in terms of three VIA strengths: prudence, judgment, and perspective. Second, recognizing that the VIA Classification is a structural model of individual traits, rather than a moral theory, can address some concerns about the model, including its failure to account for the unity of the virtues. Third, I review a three-virtue model that has emerged in recent research on the VIA strengths may provide essential elements for a taxonomy of virtue. Fourth, I raise several issues associated with the application of the VIA Classification to moral education. Finally, though the model demonstrates substantial generalizabilty across Westernized populations, research in traditional indigenous cultures remains insufficient. I conclude with a series of questions for future research.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors focus on everyday prosociality, which involves kind acts directed at those in one's social circle, rather than at individuals in need, and find that prosocial behavior and its emotional benefits propagate through social networks, particularly for those in close socia...
Abstract: Prosocial behaviors typically benefit those who perform them but can create mixed emotions in recipients. Yet, how does prosociality affect the well-being of those who merely observe it? The current study aimed to answer this question by experimentally prompting employees to perform prosocial acts at work (Givers), be the recipient of such acts (Receivers), or to do neither (Observers). Our focus was on everyday prosociality, which involves kind acts directed at those in one’s social circle, rather than at individuals in need. Social proximity to Givers, but not Receivers, positively predicted boosts in well-being. Indeed, social proximity to Receivers was associated with a nonsignificant trend toward decreased well-being. However, both social proximity to Givers and social proximity to Receivers predicted increases in prosocial behavior among Observers. These results suggest that prosocial behavior and its emotional benefits propagate through social networks, particularly for those in close socia...
TL;DR: In this article, the effects of positive psychology interventions (PPIs) in school children by means of a daily dairy were investigated, which led to an increase in happiness and a decrease in depressive symptoms immediately following the intervention and at a three-month followup.
Abstract: Positive psychology interventions (PPIs) are effective in increasing well-being across the population. Whilst educators are recognising the importance of well-being in the classroom and of its long-term impact on life trajectory, the transformative potential of PPIs in educational settings is yet to be fully realised. This study investigates, for the first time, the effects of a PPI in school children by means of a daily dairy. Self-report questionnaires were used to measure well-being in school children aged 8–11 years. Across two studies, children kept a positive events diary, recording three experiences every day for a week. The intervention led to an increase in happiness and a decrease in depressive symptoms immediately following the intervention and at a three-month follow-up. Children who had unhappier baseline scores benefitted more from the intervention. This study demonstrates significant scope, in school settings, for targeted light-touch interventions to promote well-being in those wit...
TL;DR: In this paper, three unique features of the human species that are used to both create and navigate this gap are considered as they relate to the existing literature on human thriving are considered.
Abstract: The amount of psychological literature focusing on human thriving and flourishing has grown in recent years, but this topic is currently subject to much conceptual ambiguity. Evolutionary psychology, though often not included in discussions on optimal human development, provides a framework that benefits considerations of human thriving. Humans exhibit a high degree of niche construction by which they alter their environment, in turn affecting their offspring. Such niche construction is enabled by unique human capacities, but these same capacities are then required to ‘mind the gap’ between human nature and the altered environmental niche. As such, thriving may in part be understood as the ability of the individual to navigate difficulties resulting from a mismatch between their nature and niche. Three unique features of the human species that are used to both create and navigate this gap are considered as they relate to the existing literature on human thriving.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors elaborate and test a comprehensive theoretical model of SWB of animal caregivers, which includes risk factors such as restrictions in daily life, negative emotions, and finan...
Abstract: In this paper, we elaborate and test a comprehensive theoretical model of SWB of animal caregivers. This model includes risk factors such as restrictions in daily life, negative emotions, and finan...
TL;DR: Seligman as discussed by the authors takes us on a journey across the past 50+ years of psychology and gives us a fascinating insight into the factors, both scientific and political, that shaped the evolution of psychology.
Abstract: In this eloquent and elegant book Professor Seligman takes us on a journey across the past 50+ years of psychology and gives us a fascinating insight into the factors, both scientific and political...