Positive psychology is the study of human strengths and virtues that allow individuals and communities to thrive. It uses interventions like gratitude journals, goal setting, and strengthening relationships to cultivate positive emotions, traits, and institutions. Research shows that positive psychology interventions significantly improve well-being and can help reduce depressive symptoms for up to six months. The document provides examples of positive psychology activities and encourages the reader to practice one.

1. Positive Psychology
By: Janeva Sorenson

2. What is it?
● Positive Psychology is the study of the
strengths and virtues that help people thrive
in their communities. (University of
Pennsylvania, 2007)
● Interventions include methods to help
cultivate:
○ Positive emotions
○ Positive individual traits
○ Positive institutions

3. Does it work?
● Positive Psychology is budding field of research, but it has
already gained significant attention in the health field.
● Results of an extensive empirical meta-analysis of
Positive Psychology Interventions (PPIs) reveal that they
do significantly enhance well-being (WB) and are an
effective method for treating syptoms related to
depression (Sin & Lyubomirsky, 2009).
● Results from a 411 participant internet-based
intervention reported that two activities, "using signature
strengths in a new way and three good things increased
happiness and reduced depressive syptoms for up to six
months in participants" (Seligman, Steen, Park, &
Peterson, 2005)

4. How is it done?
● There are many different activities used to
enhance the traits valued in positive
psychology.
● Some of these include:
○ Gratitude journal
○ Goal setting
○ Engaging in service
○ Strengthening relationships

5. Let's Practice!
Choose to participate in one or more of the
following activities. Make note of how
completing the activity makes you feel.
● Activity #1:
○ Perform one act of kindness each day for a week.
● Activity #2:
○ Write down 5 things you are grateful for everyday for a
week.
● Activity #3:
○ Write down the good things that happened in your day
before bed, for a week

6. Remember that you are unique,
wonderful, and human!
CLICK
ME!

7. References
● Seligman, M., Steen, T., Park, N., & Peterson, C. (2005).
Positive Psychology Progress: Empirical validation of
interventions. American Psychologist, 60(5), 410-421.
DOI: 10.1037/0003-066X.60.5.410
● Sin, N. and Lyubomirski, S. (2009). Enhancing Well-Being
and Alleviating Depressive Symptoms With Positive
Psychology Interventions: A Practice-Friendly Meta-
Analysis. Journal of Clinical Psychology: in Session, 65
(5), 467-487. DOI: 10.1002/jclp.20593
● University of Pennsylvania, (2007). Retrieved from http:
//www.ppc.sas.upenn.edu/