A short presentation on the last 4 years of Positive Psychology and Flourishing research which has been influential for the Lifehack team.
From Siegman to Keyes and beyond - this presentation highlights some of the definitions, terms and insights which can help us understand how to enable a generation to flourish by 2050.
2. The World Health Organisation defines [wellbeing] as
the presence of “a state in which the individual
realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with
normal stresses of life, can work productively and
fruitfully and is able to make a contribution to his or
her own community” (WHO, 2004)
3. Positive Psychology is the scientific study of the
characteristics and processes that contribute to flourishing
in people, groups and organisations. It is an applied
approach to optimal functioning and is focused on achieving
high performance and enhancing wellbeing through
harnessing strengths, doing more of what works and
building on success. It is the study of people at their best.
4. Defining Wellbeing:
- Self acceptance
- Positive relationships with others
- Autonomy
- Environmental mastery
- Purpose in life
- Personal growth
Carol Ryff - New Economics Foundation
6. Child Flourishing
Personal Flourishing
● Gratitude
● Forgiveness
● Hope
● Goal Orientation
● Life Satisfaction
● Purpose
● Spirituality
Flourishing in Relationships
● Positive Friendships with Peers
● Positive Relationships with Parents
Relationship Skills
● Empathy
● Social Competence
Helping Others to Flourish
● Altruism
● Helping Family and Friends
Environmental Stewardship
● Environmental Stewardship
Flourishing in School and Work
● Diligence and Reliability
● Educational Engagement
● Initiative Taking
● Trustworthiness and
Integrity
● Thrift
7. Broad and Build Theory: the upwards spiral
“Positive emotional feelings such as moods, and sentiments
such as happiness, carry more personal and psychological
benefits than just a pleasant, personal subjective experience.
Flourishing widens attention, broaden behavioral repertoires,
which means to broaden one’s skills or regularly performed
actions, increase intuition, and increase creativity. Secondly,
good feelings can have physiological manifestations, such as
significant and positive cardiovascular effects, such as a
reduction in blood pressure. Third, good feelings predict
healthy mental and physical outcomes. Also, positive affect
and flourishing is related to longevity.”
8. Society flourishes when individuals flourish
“Flourishing happens when people feel high levels of emotional,
psychological and social well-being, which can result from
experiencing vigor and vitality, self-determination, continuous self-
growth, close relationships and a purposeful and meaningful life,
Keyes said. Flourishing adults tend to miss fewer days of work,
experience fewer physical health problems, such as cardiovascular
disease, and are more productive at work than people who are not
flourishing, according to Keyes's research."
Corey Keyes: Helping people 'flourish' best boosts their mental health
November 2005, Vol 36, No. 10, American Psychological Association, Print version: page 64
10. Self expression
categories
There are several broad categories of self-expression and adults need to
actively ensure that a safe holding environment is present when such
expressions occur.
The main categories are:
Self Expression
• physical
• sexual
• emotional
• intellectual
• behavioural
• social
• creative