GP2: Good Practice by Good Practitioners

Growing as Good Practitioners:
Practicing Positive Psychology

*****

On-line Tools

Here is a link to some on-line tools from the field of "Positive Psychology".

http://www.authentichappiness.org/

*

These tools are free, and mostly include self-report inventories. One of our personal favourites is the "VIA Signature Strengths Questionnaire". The link for this tool is found on the home page. It measures 24 important character strengths, categorised in terms of six "virtues."

*

These tools are easy to use and can be quite enjoyable! They can help you in our self-understanding and hence personal growth. They can also be used as part of our member care work with mission/aid workers. Note: You need to register on the site in order to have access to these tools. Registration is quick and easy.

*

Articles

Also on the home page of the above site, you will see a link to some articles.

1. One article reviews some research on the effectiveness of "Positive Psychology". The quote below is from this article and it briefly describes what this field is about.

*

2. This field or "Positive Psychology" ("the science of happiness") has also been featured as a cover story on Time Magazine (January 17, 2005). We are grateful to Dr. Martin Seligman and his colleagues who have heped to pioneer this new and devloping field in psychology.

*

Quote:

"Positive psychology is an umbrella term for the study of positive emotions, positive character traits, and enabling institutions. Research findings from positive psychology are intended to supplement, not remotely to replace, what is known about human suffering, weakness, and disorder. The intent is to have a more complete and balanced scientific understanding of the human experience—the peaks, the valleys, and everything in between. We believe that a complete science and a complete practice of psychology should include an understanding of suffering and happiness, as well as their interaction, and validated interventions that both relieve suffering and increase happiness—two separable endeavors."

*

Positive Psychology Progress: Empirical Validation of Interventions

Selgman, Steen, Park, and Peterson

American Psychologist, July-August 2005, p. 410

*****

Reflection and Discussion

1. Visit http://www.authentichappiness/

Take an inventory, do it with a friend if you want, discuss it, and grow!

*

2. Read one of the articles mentioned above.

How could you use some of the perspectives/approaoches of the Positive Psychology in your member care work?