{"title":"Personal Narratives, Expressive Writing and Wellbeing","authors":"Margarita Tarragona","doi":"10.1093/oxfordhb/9780199396511.013.52","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordhb/9780199396511.013.52","url":null,"abstract":"This chapter discusses the importance that stories have in our lives and how the creation of coherent personal narratives is important for well-being and a relevant topic for positive psychology. There is solid research evidence about the benefits of expressive writing on mental health, particularly for people who have experienced trauma, and analyses of people´s choice of words in their writing can be useful in predicting depression and suicidal risk. Studies also show how writing can help us deal with adversity in the present and dream of better futures. Expressive writing can have beneficial effects on physical health, as it has an impact on immune function and cardiovascular health; writing is also associated with higher subjective well-being in patients with a variety of chronic diseases. Expressive writing has also been found to improve interpersonal relationships in schools and in work settings, and it can be helpful for couples who are struggling with their relationship and for individuals who have gone through a break-up. In the final section, the chapter presents a list of positive psychology interventions that are use writing to increase well-being.","PeriodicalId":366145,"journal":{"name":"The Oxford Handbook of Positive Psychology, 3rd Edition","volume":"179 2 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-03-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"116705515","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Happiness in Nations","authors":"R. Veenhoven","doi":"10.1093/OXFORDHB/9780199396511.013.15","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/OXFORDHB/9780199396511.013.15","url":null,"abstract":"Today1 there is increasing support for the idea that governments should aim at greater happiness for a greater number of citizens. Is this a mission impossible? The following questions arise in this context: (1) Is greater happiness in a nation feasible? (2) If so, can governments do much about it? (3) If so, what can governments do to raise happiness in their country? (4) How does the pursuit of happiness fit with other political aims? In this paper, I take stock of the available research findings on happiness that bear answers to these questions. To do this, I use a large collection of research findings gathered in the World Database of Happiness. These data show that greater happiness is possible, and indicate some ways to achieve this goal. The pursuit of public happiness fits well with several other policy aims.","PeriodicalId":366145,"journal":{"name":"The Oxford Handbook of Positive Psychology, 3rd Edition","volume":"5 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-03-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"132059374","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Positive Psychology of Infancy and Early Childhood","authors":"John K. Coffey","doi":"10.1093/OXFORDHB/9780199396511.013.8","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/OXFORDHB/9780199396511.013.8","url":null,"abstract":"This chapter provides a perspective on early childhood optimal development to identify the factors that set a foundation for flourishing across the lifespan. I examine possible links between developmental and positive psychological science to highlight how optimizing development begins in infancy. This perspective involves identifying the early childhood outcomes associated with short- and long-term flourishing. Whenever possible, these should be intrinsically motivated or even have innate roots. The chapter will have a heavy focus on the long-term outcomes because short-term (or concurrent) and long-term outcomes may not always be congruent. This perspective is not about accelerating developmental processes or advocating an unrealistic expectation of protecting children from all adversity. Accordingly, another element of this perspective involves finding ways to help children respond to adversity in healthy ways. Finally, the perspective focuses on outcomes that can be targeted for promotion and intervention as a way to increase chances of flourishing.","PeriodicalId":366145,"journal":{"name":"The Oxford Handbook of Positive Psychology, 3rd Edition","volume":"20 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-03-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"130781806","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Psychotherapy, Counseling, and Coaching","authors":"C. Ruini, Susana C. Marques","doi":"10.1093/oxfordhb/9780199396511.013.49","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordhb/9780199396511.013.49","url":null,"abstract":"This chapter analyzes three dominant approaches to mental health interventions: psychotherapy, counseling, and coaching. Their commonalities, as well as their main differences, are emphasized by using a continuum model encompassing time perspective; recipients of these interventions (ranging from patients with severe psychopathology, to distressed individuals, to normal populations); and types of therapeutic strategies that are applied. Psychotherapy, counseling, and coaching are differentiated in some ways because the first mainly refers to a medical model, whereas counseling and coaching rely on communication strategies. However, in current practice the distinctions are not as clear. Furthermore, they all share common ingredients, such as the working alliance, positive expectations, and the promotion of well-being.","PeriodicalId":366145,"journal":{"name":"The Oxford Handbook of Positive Psychology, 3rd Edition","volume":"32 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-03-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"115614111","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The Important Role of Problem Solving Appraisal in Creating a Positive Life Across Cultural Contexts","authors":"P. P. Heppner, Dong-gwi Lee, Lu Tian","doi":"10.1093/OXFORDHB/9780199396511.013.27","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/OXFORDHB/9780199396511.013.27","url":null,"abstract":"This chapter focuses on how problem solving appraisal has been empirically demonstrated to be an important asset in living and an important component of positive psychology. It begins with a history of applied problem- solving appraisal, followed by how it is measured by the widely used Problem Solving Inventory (PSI). The PSI literature is reviewed, and demonstrates robust empirical evidence for the positive role of problem solving appraisal, linked to numerous indices of psychological adjustment, physical health, coping activities, and career/vocational adjustment. Future research can now more fully integrate problem solving appraisal with other positive psychology constructs, such as resilience, optimism, aging well, hope, and wisdom. Because problem solving appraisal is learned and malleable, this brings positive changes to people’s lives through the integration of problem solving and positive psychology.","PeriodicalId":366145,"journal":{"name":"The Oxford Handbook of Positive Psychology, 3rd Edition","volume":"35 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-03-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"122413468","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Thriving on Emotional Intelligence? Bridging Research and Practice","authors":"P. Lopes","doi":"10.1093/OXFORDHB/9780199396511.013.64","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/OXFORDHB/9780199396511.013.64","url":null,"abstract":"Emotional intelligence (EI) is a useful framework with which to map emotional skills. There is evidence EI explains well-being, psychological health, the quality of social relationships, and job performance. However, measuring EI using ability tests remains a major challenge. Here, I review theory and research on EI, discuss the strengths and limitations of different models, and suggest possibilities for future research and for the development of new measures. I argue that examining areas of substantive overlap and interdependence between EI, IQ, personality, and motivation is important to achieve a full understanding of how emotionally intelligent behavior contributes to positive functioning. Moreover, I outline implications for developing EI and fostering emotionally intelligent behavior in organizations at various levels of analysis. In particular, I argue that it may be most effective to infuse EI training into team projects aimed at addressing organizational challenges related to innovation and change.","PeriodicalId":366145,"journal":{"name":"The Oxford Handbook of Positive Psychology, 3rd Edition","volume":"25 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-03-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"130411280","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
E. Worthington, L. Goldstein, Brian A. Hammock, Brandon J. Griffin, Rachel C. Garthe, Caroline R. Lavelock, Don E. Davis, J. Hook, D. V. Tongeren
{"title":"Humility: A Qualitative Review","authors":"E. Worthington, L. Goldstein, Brian A. Hammock, Brandon J. Griffin, Rachel C. Garthe, Caroline R. Lavelock, Don E. Davis, J. Hook, D. V. Tongeren","doi":"10.1093/oxfordhb/9780199396511.013.39","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordhb/9780199396511.013.39","url":null,"abstract":"Humility has gained empirical traction as a character strength. Between January 2000 and August 2015, 96 empirical articles on humility were published, and we conducted a qualitative systematic review. Humility was defined as having three aspects: accurate self-presentation and attitude of teachability; modest self-presentation; and other-orientedness. Several types of humility were identified. The findings are organized into seven hypotheses. The most support was found for the social hypotheses, spiritual hypothesis, virtues and vices hypotheses, societal peace hypothesis, and structure of humility hypothesis. For the structure of humility, the first two aspects are well supported, but it is unclear whether humility requires an orientation toward others or merely lack of self-focus. Little evidence supported the Humility–Health hypotheses. Little evidence supported the connection between humility and ultimate life satisfaction. The chapter suggests an urgent need to investigate little-studied hypotheses, especially health-related hypotheses.","PeriodicalId":366145,"journal":{"name":"The Oxford Handbook of Positive Psychology, 3rd Edition","volume":"16 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-03-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"124390855","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Attachment Theory as a Relational Framework for Positive Psychology","authors":"M. Mikulincer, P. Shaver","doi":"10.1093/OXFORDHB/9780199396511.013.63","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/OXFORDHB/9780199396511.013.63","url":null,"abstract":"In this chapter, we consider the possibility that attachment theory provides a strong, researchable relational framework for positive psychology. We first present a brief overview of attachment theory and discuss the role that the sense of attachment security plays in fostering physical and mental health, social adjustment, and psychological growth. We then review evidence showing that chronic (i.e., dispositional, trait-like) as well as contextual activation of mental representations of attachment security attenuates defensive motives that might otherwise distort social perception and cognition and lead to interpersonal and intergroup conflict. We also summarize evidence for the claim that attachment security, which can be experimentally enhanced, acts as a growth-enhancing agent, fostering prosocial motives and cognitions, promoting personal development and improved relationships, and leading to the development of what classic personality theorist Carl Rogers (1961) called a “fully functioning person.”","PeriodicalId":366145,"journal":{"name":"The Oxford Handbook of Positive Psychology, 3rd Edition","volume":"55 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-03-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"132698854","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Pathways to Growth Following Trauma and Loss","authors":"Christopher G. Davis, J. Porter","doi":"10.1093/OXFORDHB/9780199396511.013.66","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/OXFORDHB/9780199396511.013.66","url":null,"abstract":"This chapter reviews theory and research on the psychological processes that transform adversity and loss events into personal growth and adjustment. Research tends to support a model of growth that features a significant threat to one’s worldview, followed by a process of searching for and finding meaning. However, there may be other pathways to growth and positive change following adversity. We propose a goal-based model of posttraumatic growth based on the notion that loss events often represent significant threats to meaningful personal projects and goals. Personal growth and adjustment may emerge from a process of disengaging from previous goals blocked by the loss, and the initiation of new, intrinsically meaningful goals. The renegotiation of goals that promise to satisfy one’s fundamental needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness may promote positive identity change and growth.","PeriodicalId":366145,"journal":{"name":"The Oxford Handbook of Positive Psychology, 3rd Edition","volume":"79 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-03-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"131332958","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Widening the Diagnostic Focus","authors":"B. A. Wright, Jeana L. Magyar, S. Lopez","doi":"10.1093/OXFORDHB/9780199396511.013.65","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/OXFORDHB/9780199396511.013.65","url":null,"abstract":"Positive psychology challenges a common error of professional psychology regarding making diagnostic, treatment, and policy decisions primarily with regard to the deficiencies of the person instead of giving serious consideration to deficits and strengths of both the person and the environment. This mission may seem disheartening in that it requires greater rather than less cognitive complexity. Yet this multifaceted focus is crucial if two system concepts—whole person and behavior as a function of a person in interaction with an environment—are to be taken seriously. Practice and research that fall short of attending to this person–environment interaction do a disservice to remedial possibilities and personal integrity. We have divided this chapter into two parts. In the first part, we present enlightening concepts together with supporting research. In the second part, we apply the insights gained to clinical practice and research and make specific recommendations regarding each of the issues raised.","PeriodicalId":366145,"journal":{"name":"The Oxford Handbook of Positive Psychology, 3rd Edition","volume":"64 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-03-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"124877553","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}