Positive Psychology Lecture Notes

Positive Psychology

Clinical Psychology and Positive Psychology

  • Depiction of contact with a new alien species emphasizing a negative focus:

    • Example raises questions about perspective and understanding human conditions.

Characteristics of Positive Psychology

  • Core Elements of Positive Psychology:

    • Focus on well-being and happiness

    • Exploration of personal strengths like wisdom and creativity

    • Understanding and fostering thriving behaviors

    • Positive characteristics of individuals (e.g., talent, love)

    • Development of positive institutions and communities, emphasizing social constructs like altruism and work ethic.

Applied Positive Psychology

  • Nature of Applied Positive Psychology:

    • Translates theoretical insights into practical applications

    • Focuses on subjective well-being and strength utilization in various environments.

SPARK Resilience Programme

  • Programme Overview:

    • Target demographic: High-risk youth aged 11-13.

    • Focus on symptoms of depression and resilience development.

    • Contextual background on increasing depression cases, particularly among adolescent females.

  • Statistical Context:

    • Prevalence of depressive disorders:

    • Girls (Financially stable homes): 3.7%

    • Boys (Financially stable homes): 1.5%

    • Girls (Low-income homes): 12.9%

    • Boys (Low-income homes): 11.5%

    • Cited from research (Pluess et al., 2017).

  • Programme Design:

    • Structure involves two cohorts (treatment and control).

    • Initial cohort details:

    • Year 7 (N=230) treatment cohort

      • Pre-treatment: n = 194

      • Year 8 control cohort (N = 208)

      • Post-treatment in Year 8: n = 173

      • Focus group follow-ups with samples at 6 months and 12 months

      • Data collection metrics through PLOS One.

    • SPARK Intervention Details:

    • Spanning 3-4 months with 12 one-hour sessions

    • Trained teachers led by professional psychologists.

    • Comprehensive breakdown of response mechanics to stress into five components:

    1. Situation: Understanding the context.

    2. Perception: Interpreting circumstances.

    3. Autopilot: Automatic emotional responses.

    4. Reaction: Behavioral responses to stress.

    5. Knowledge: Resources and strategies available.

  • Metaphorical Frameworks Used:

    • “Parrots of Perception” framework identifies biases and thought patterns (e.g., The "Blamer", The "Judge", The "Worrier") that contribute to negative perceptions.

    • “Sticky Path” metaphor is used for examining biases, trust in oneself, and scrutinizing cognitive distortions (e.g., catastrophizing, personalizing).

Resilience and Depression Metrics

  • Resilience Scale (RS) Performance:

    • Statistical significance for the following intervals was recorded:

    • Pre-Intervention

    • Post-Intervention

    • Follow-up at 6 Months

    • Follow-up at 12 Months

  • Depression Symptoms (CESD) Data:

    • Documented measures highlighted reduction in symptoms across the same timelines.

Feedback on SPARK Resilience Programme

  • Positive feedback on the discussion of resilience with students, emphasizing proactive strategies for everyday challenges.

  • Discussion on long-term benefits and appropriateness of targeting Grade 7 as an intervention point for resilience practices moving forward.

Additional Information on Positive Psychology in Canada

  • Inclusion of job opportunities linked with the field of Positive Psychology:

    • Summary of various roles within Canadian institutions emphasizing mental health care.

Educational Programs Related to Positive Psychology in Canadian Institutions

  • Overview of graduate programs at the University of British Columbia and Laurier University focusing on positive psychology, indicating a growing academic interest in the field.