Copyright (c) 2009 University of Pennsylvania All rights reserved. http://repository.upenn.edu/mapp_slp Recent documents in Master of Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP) Service Learning Projects en-us Tue, 04 Aug 2009 12:40:48 PDT 3600 http://repository.upenn.edu/mapp_slp/3 http://repository.upenn.edu/mapp_slp/3 Thu, 04 Jun 2009 05:21:47 PDT Shannon Polly http://repository.upenn.edu/mapp_slp/2 http://repository.upenn.edu/mapp_slp/2 Thu, 14 May 2009 12:02:32 PDT A study of 6156 respondents to an online survey measuring their character strengths and virtues twice over a period of time suggests that an increase in virtue may be linked not only to eudemonic happiness, but to the hedonic as well. Happy people see more growth in character strengths than their less happy counterparts. This relationship is particularly strong for the virtues robustly associated with life satisfaction (gratitude, zest, love, curiosity, optimism/hope) and wisdom. Conversely those who are depressed and experience more negative affect see a greater decline in character strengths. The findings support the Broaden and Build theory (Fredrickson, 2001), in that the character strengths that broadened mindsets and behavioral repertoires are more affected by the subjective well-being. This may suggest an alternative approach to character development. Encouraging happiness and positive affect at the beginning of the process, may "prime" the individual for the change they wish to make happen. Emma Judge http://repository.upenn.edu/mapp_slp/1 http://repository.upenn.edu/mapp_slp/1 Tue, 15 Jan 2008 11:07:58 PST This paper is the report on a service learning project conducted by four students in 2006 as part of the Masters of Applied Positive Psychology program at the University of Pennsylvania. The paper describes a proposal for applying positive psychology at Footlights - a performing arts after-school center for underprivileged teenagers in Hartford, CT. The paper describes Footlights, including daily operations, instructors and participating teenagers. It then outlines a proposed application plan for introducing and using positive psychology at the center. It concludes with an overview of the relevant empirical research that constitutes the basis for the proposed application plan. Appendices give the plan in more detail and describe a particular exercise included in the plan. Thomas Atterstam