Objective: Positive
psychology has thrived in the last decade, and so have the number of interventions
to increase positive well-being. Effective
interventions must be embedded in strong conceptual frameworks that guide the
development and application of interventions. This workshop will involve participation in several interventions
and group discussion of the assessment of intervention efficacy.
Method: Four linked yet distinct activities will review the development and
efficacy of positive psychology interventions. Following a brief introductory review of the field, the
second session will describe the HeartMath framework and invite participants to
engage in techniques developed to harness positive emotions. The third session will describe the
conceptual framework of gratitude and mindfulness interventions and participants
will complete two related activities.
A review of the research evidence of intervention efficacy will be
presented for group discussion.
Results: Participants will have the opportunity to experience
several positive psychology interventions and discuss the research evidence.
Conclusions: The goal of increasing wellbeing may be the primary phenomena of
positive psychological wellbeing but there are several consequent benefits to
health, work life and social connectedness. This workshop is a research- based experimental opportunity
for those interested in the study and implementation of positive psychology
interventions.